
Glass. 



Book , ^'^iH U^ 



REPORT 



REGENTS' BOUNDARY COMMISSION 



New York and Pennsylvania Boundary, 



WITH TIIV. KINAI, WKroKT nr 



IVI< . I-i. V\'. CJ^^XKKK, C. K.,. 



SURVEYOR fOK THK COTVlMIS^lO.N. 



«S 



i.' 



I 4mm 



ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS MAPS AND SKETCHES. 



^ 



ALBANY: 
WEED, PARSONS AND COMPANY 

LEGISLATIVE PRINTERS. 

188C. 



/ 



REPORT 



REGENTS' BOUNDARY COMiSSlON 



New York and Pennsylvania Boundary, 



WITH THE FINAL REroHT (IK 



WLcnj. H. W^ CLARKE, C. K. 



>rRVEVOR I- OR THE COMMISSION. 



43734 



ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS MAPS AND SKETCHES 



ALBANY: 
WEED, PARSONS AND COMPANY, 

LEGISLATIVE PRIN'TERS. 

1880. 



■3iNa 



By transfer 

FEB ; ) 1908 



STATE OF NEW YORK 



No. 71 . 



IN SENATE, 

April 22, 1886. 



FINAL EEPOKT 



OF THE COMMISSIONERS ON THE BOUNDARY LINE 
BETWEEN THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE STATE 
OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

New York Boundary Commission, ) 

Office of the Commissioners, > 

Albany, April 22, 1886. ) 

To the Hon. Edward F. Jones, President of tJie Senate : 

Sir — On behalf of the Commissioners on the Boundary Lines 
between the State of New York and the States of New Jersey and 
Pennsylvania, and by their direction, I have the honor herewith to 
transmit to the Legislature their final report in relation to the sur- 
vey and settlement of the boundary between this State and the 
State of Pennsylvania, extending from a point on the Delaware 
river, near Hale's Eddy, to Lake Erie. 
Very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

H. R. PIERSON, 
Chairman of Commission on jpart of New York. 



CONTENTS. 



Report of the Commissioners ;; 

Copy of Fiual Agreement . . 24 

Preliminary Letter of Maj. H. W. Clarke, Surveyor for the Joint Com- 
mission = 31 

Abstract of Contents of Report 34 

SURVEYOR'S FINAL REPORT. 

Preliminary 37 

Parallel Boundary: 

Historical Sketch 40 

Establishment of Initial Point, 1774 62 

Surveys before the Boundary was tixed 73 

Official Survey of 1786-7 76 

Error in Revised Statutes of N. Y 97 

Early Laud Surveys 101 

Joint Reconnaissance of 1877-9 under the present Commission. . . . 123 

Final Operations of 1881-4 under the present CommissKm 154 

Meridian Boundary: 

Historical Sketch .... 175 

Surveys and Operations under the present Commission 204 

APPENDIX. 

A. Laws Relatint? to the Re-survey of the Boundary 212 

AA. Instructions to the Surveyors 219 

B. Descriptive Schedule of Monuments, 1881-5 222 

C. Table of Distances and Deflection Angles 263 

D. Astronomical Stations of the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, etc. 271 

E. County and Town Corners 280 

P. Names of Coimnissioners and Persons connected with the Survey, 

1877-1885 286 

G. George Palmer's Papers and Surveys, 1774, 1784 291 

H. Holland Land Company's Records of Surveys 313 

J. Keating Estate Surveys 384 

K. New York and Pennsylvania on Ancient Maps. 390 

L. Disputes with Connecticut and Massachusetts: 

The :Massachu3etts Claim . . 402 

The Connecticut Claim in Pennsylvania 417 

The Connecticut Gore in New York 429 

M. The Erie Triangle 438 

N. Maps of the Boundary showing locations of New Monuments 459 

Index. 457 

[Note. — A detail description and sketch of each of the oi-ie:inal monuments discovered, will be 
found in the "Diary of Operations," filed with the Official Records of the Commission in the 
office of the SecretarV of State. 

Reduced copies (half size) of the Maps of the origiual survey of 1786-7 are inserted at page 77.] 



REPORT. 



To the Legislature of the State of New YorJc : 

The commissioners appointed by the Board of Regents under 
authority of chapter 340 of the Laws of ISSO, to ascertain and re- 
store the boundary lines between the State of Kew York and the 
States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respecti v^ely, submit their 
report in relation to the final establishment and re-marking of the 
boundary line between the States of New York and Pennsylvania, 
extending from a point in the Delaware river near Hale's Eddy, to 
Lake Erie. 

The Regents of the University were charged by the Legislature 
in 1875 with the duty of " an examination as to the true location of 
the monuments which mark the boundary," between this State and 
New Jersey and Pennsylvania. 

The execution of this duty was intrusted, by order of the board, 
to a committee consisting of the late Chancellor, Mr. Pruyn, Mr. 
Pierson and Mr. Perkins. 

On the decease of Mr. Perkins the vacancy was filled by the ap- 
pointment of Mr. Depew. 

The authority under which this work was undertaken is derived 
from the provisions of chapter 424 of the Laws of 1875, which law 
is as follows : 

An Act in regard to the boundary monuments of the State. 

Passed May 2G, 1875; three-fifths being present. 

The People of the State of New Yorh, represented in Seriate and 
Assembly f do enact as follows : 

Section 1. The Regents of the University are hereby authorized 
and directed to resume the work of '' examination as to the true 
location of the monuments which mark the several boundaries of the 
State," as authorized by the resolution of the Senate of April nine- 
teenth, eighteen hundred and sixty-seven, and in connection with 
the authorities of Pennsylvania and New Jersey respectively, to re- 
place any monuments which have become dilapidated or been re- 
moved on the boundary lines of those States. 



6 [Senate 

§ 2. The snra of three thousand dollars, or so much thereof as 
may be necessary, is hereby appropriated for expenses of renewing 
and replacing monuments, and for contingent expenses. 

§ 3. The Regents shall report to the Legislature on the progress 
of this work with an account of all expenditures. 

§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately. 

On the 19th of May, 1877, the committee of this board met the 
commissioners of Pennsylvania in the city of New York, for the 
purpose of making preliminary arrangements for the examination of 
the boundary line between these States. 

At this meeting this board was represented by John Y. L. Pruyn, 
Chancellor, Henry R. Pierson, Chauncey M. Depew and S. B. Wool- 
worth, Secretary. 

The State of Pennsylvania, by James Worrall, Robert N. Tor- 
rey and C. M, Gere. 

After some time spent in conversation on the objects proposed 
to be accomplished, the following resolutions were unanimously 
adopted : 

1. Resolved,, That in the judgment of the joint commission it is 
expedient that a reconnaissance of the boundary line between the two 
States be made by skilled surveyoi's, in order to ascertain what 
monuments are missing, and the condition of those that remain, with 
such incidental facts as may be desiralde. Also, that an astronomical 
determination be made, at four points on the line, to ascertain the 
due location on the surface of the earth of the forty-second parallel 
of latitude, and that a report in writing embracing the several mat- 
ters aforesaid be made to the commissioners. 

2. Resolved, That the commissioners of each State appoint or em- 
ploy a competent surveyor for the purposes aforesaid, and that the 
two persons thus appointed be requested to co-operate in the work of 
the survey. 

3. Resolved, That the commissioners respectfully request the Su- 
perintendent of the United States Coast Survey, if he can con- 
veniently do so, to make the determination of latitude before re- 
ferred to, and that the commissioners wdl pay the expenses of the 
officer detailed for the work in equal proportions. 

4. It was further resolved that the commissioners of each State fix 
the compensation of its surveyor, and provide for the payment of 
the same. Also, that the surveyors jointly employ such chain, flag 
and axe-men as they shall deem neces-ary, and at such compensation 
as they shall consider reasonable, and that said compensation be paid 
equally by the two States. 

The commission then adjourned subject to the call of the chair- 
man. 



No. 71. J 7 

In conformity with the second resolution, H. Wadsworth Clarke, 
a civil engineer of good repute of Syracuse, was appointed surveyor 
on the part of this State. 

C. M. Gere, of Montrose, Penn., one of the Pennsylvania com- 
missioners, was appointed surveyor on the part of that State. 

0)1 the 19t:h of June the joint commission met at Hale's Eddy, 
on the Delaware river, near the eistern end of the boundary line. 

Here in 1774, two nionuznents were placed to mark the parallel 
of forty-two degrees. A most thorough search for these monu- 
ments was made, but neither of them was found. This caused much 
embarrassment to the surveyors. They were obliged to proceed 
westward until they found mile monuments, and then to run back 
to the river, and thus fix as nearly as possible the initial point of the 
boundary line. This having been done, the surveyors retraced the 
line westward. Some of the monuments were found unimpaired 
and apparently in place ; others were broken, some had evidently 
been removed from their original position, and others had entirely 
disappeared. The line was found to be very irregular, rarely two 
monuments aligning with a third. 

The report of the surveyor, herewith communicated, with the 
accompanying maps, shows the line as it was run by the commis- 
sioners of the two States in 1786 and 1787, as nearly as can now be 
ascertained. 

This northern boundary of Pennsylvania was described by the 
charter of King Charles the Second, to William Penn, under date of 
March 4, 1680, as on the parallel of forty-two degrees, north lati- 
tude. Of this there has not, at any time, been dispute. The pur- 
pose of the commissioners of 1786 and 1787 was to run a line on 
this parallel. To determine its position they made astronomical ob- 
servations, first at the Delaware river, and then at distances of a' -out 
twenty mile^, to Lake Erie. The instruments used, though the best 
which could then be obtained, would now be regarded as rude and 
unreliable. The line between these astronomical stations was rim 
by the compass, subject to the variations of the magnetic needle. 

These methods left the true place of the parallel in great uncer- 
tainty. In conformity with the third resolution of the joint com- 
mission, an arrangement was made witli the Superintendent of the 
United States Coast Survey, by which four points on that parallel 
were established, with all the accuracy known to modem science. 

As the surveyors proceeded with their work, they found the line 



8 [Senate 

as run by the commissioners of 1786 and 1787, to be, in some places, 
on one side of the parallel, and in some on the other, its greatest vari- 
ation being nearly 1,000 feet. 

It is to be regretted that these deviations exist, though less posi- 
tive evil results from thein than, ou a cursory view, it might be pre- 
sumed would be experienced. The Penusylvania commissioners have 
been understood to favor the change of the monuments to the par- 
allel, where they are found to deviate from it. The law which pre- 
scribes the power of this board gives no authority to do this, and 
against it there are grave objections. Sucli change will involve 
change of jurisdiction and disturbance of the records of titles. It 
will transfer citizens from one State, with whose laws and usages 
they are familiar, to another, whose civil polity is quite different, 
and may be even repulsive. 

AViien the work of the season was about one-half completed, the 
committee received a proposal from the commissioners of Pennsyl- 
vania, that Mr. Clarke, the surveyor on the part of this State, should 
assume its entire direction, by reason of the impaired health of Mr. 
Gere, the surveyor on the part of Pennsylvania. 

The committee saw no reason for declining this proposal, and 
they regarded it as a very gratifying evidence of contiJence in the 
ability and faithfulness of Mr. Clarke. 

The work on the boundary between this State and Pennsylvania, 
during the season of 1877, closed at the 119th mile-stone. 

The field work was resumed on the 13th of June, 1878, and con- 
tinued, with the exception of about fifteen miles, to Lake Erie, 
which was reached on the 28th of October. The part omitted 
was rough and uncultivated, on the border of Cattaraugus county. 
It was found that its examination would occupy so much time, 
that if it was made the other part of the line could not be com- 
pleted. It was, therefore, determined to omit it until another 
season. 

The condition of the monuments, on this part of the line, was 
found to differ not materially from that of those on the part exam- 
ined in 1877. 

On the 26th day of June, 1S79, a meeting of the joint commis- 
sioners of the two States was held at Clifton Springs. Cols. Wor- 
rall and Gere of the Pennsylvania branch of the commission were 
present, and Regents Leavenworth and Pierson of the Regents' 
Committee appeared in behalf of this State, accompanied by Assist- 



No. 71.] 9 

ant Secretary Pratt and Surveyor Clarke. At this meeting, the 
account current between the two States was settled, and the plan of 
operation for the season was substantially arranged. This was to 
include the recoiinai:>sance of about fifteen miles of line between 
Cattaraugus and McKean counties, omitted the previous year, and a 
review of the work of 1877, between the Delaware and Sut^quelianua 
rivers. At the solicitation of the Pennsylvania commissioners, it was 
also agreed, in case satisfactory arrangements could be made with the 
otticers of the U.- S, Coast Survey, that a number of latitude deter- 
minations, additional to those of 1877, should ho made for the pur- 
pose of showing to what extent the line westward from the Delaware 
river corresponds, or fails to correspond, with its original description, 
as being along the astronomical parallel of forty-two degrees of north 
latitude. The proposals made by the officers of the Coast Survey 
were accepted after a careful consideration as to the propriety and 
importance of these latitude determinations, and the work was 
accomplished at considerably less than the authorized expense. 

In the progress of the work of ascertaining the position of the 
ancient monuments, two facts were establisiied : J^l rst, tha,t many 
monuments were lost or their exact location not positively ascertain- 
able ; and second, that the line of the boundary as traced on the 
earth was not a straight line, that is, that every monument was not 
on the parallel. 

The commissioners on the part of the State of Pennsylvania de- 
sired to change the old line to a straight line, if possible. The com- 
missioners on the part of N"ew York held that they had no jjower 
to make the change, and that the line established by the commission 
of 1774, 17S6 and 1787was now tlie true line. 

The following correspondence took place : 

Office of the N. and W. Boundaky- CoManssiONS, ) 

Department of Internal Affairs, V 

IIarrisburo, Penn., Dec. 14, 1880. ) 

Hon. D. J. Pratt, Assistant Secretary Board of Regents, 
Albany, N. Y.: 

Dear Sir — It is only within a few days that I have received a 
copy of Major Clarke's report, or I should have communicated with 
you sooner as to the view which the Pennsylvania board of bound- 
ary commissioners takes of it, at least a majority of them, the third 
having not yet been heard from.* Should the New York board 

* Since tliis letter was written, the tliird lueiuber of ili« board lias indicated his 
as.seut to llie viewa herein expressed. 

[feen. Doc. No. 71.] 2 



10 [Senate 

agree with us, I do not see why we might not agree upon our action 
without a meeting, which is in any ease inconvenient and is certain 
to cause individual expenditure of money. 

We liave given this subject our deepest consideration, as indeed 
its importance demands; we liave besides, unofficially, consulted 
very liigh legal authority to aid us in our conclusion, and our views 
are the result of such consideration and consultation. 

It is only necessary, we think, to read Major Clarke's reports to 
be convinced that to restore the line to what it was at the time of 
its being laid down, in the last century, is simply an impossibility. 
The line as found appears to be composed of a series of crooked 
continuous lines and gaps extending for miles unmarked in any 
way, to restore which, from any discoverable data, cannot be done. 
The whole of the frasrments of line discovered are not straio-ht. 
They vary from north to south by no rule. Scarcely three monu- 
ments to be found are in the same straight line, but form irregular 
curves, the theory of which cannot be divined. The blank portions 
of the line then must have been erratic in the same way, and there 
is no rule to point out the system of their errors. 

Thrre is hardly a monument on the whole line that is upon the 
forty-second parallel, at or near the points which have been laid 
down for us upon that line by the Coast Survey, and yet the forty- 
second parallel of north latitude remains the true boundary between 
the two States. Yet weve we to reject the parallel as our boundary, 
how is it possible to restore the line of the last century? Any line 
must be the result of the oj)inion of the last surveyor, and it is cer- 
tain that he has jio rule and can discover no rule upon which to form 
that opinion. It appears then to this board, that in order to establish 
this line it is absolutely necessary for us to have the parallel laid down 
with the utmost care and precision attainable at this age, and cither 
recommend that the said parallel shall be the boundary from this 
time forward, or adjust the fragments of Major Clarke's constructed 
line to it in such a manner as not to disturb vested interests. And 
in this process should it be found that the parallel to be laid down 
will not seriously affect these interests, then let there be a system 
of compromise established by which no owner on either side of tliat 
line shall be unjustly treated. 

The law calls us. to find the "true location" of the monuments, 
on which '' true location " they can be set. We cannot conceive any 
true location for them except upon the parallel, and that is not to be 



No. 71.] 11 

found except by laying it down with " all the appliances and means 
to boot'' attainable at the present day. 

"We are informed that the State of New York is now liaviuijj a 
geodetic survey of her territory made by the United States Coast and 
Geodetic Survey.* 

The parallel laid down geodetically would be a most important 
element in such a survey, and its cost would be much reduced if the 
State of Pennsylvania were to assume one li.df thereof. The State 
of Pennsylvania will very soon iiud it to her advantage to have a 
similar survey of her territory made, and would equally require the 
parallel as a basis in such survey. She would also partake of the 
benetit of having the cost of laying dt)wn the parallel divided by 
two in like manner. So there can scarcely be a better time than the 
present to ccmie to such conclusion. 

We have inquired at the Coast Survey bureau and find that to lay 
down and mark by suitable monuments a line detining the forty -second 
parallel geodetically, which means, w-itli the utmost precision attain- 
able in this age ; also, to lay down, in a similar maimer, the nineteen 
or twenty miles of meridian dividing a portion of the two States from 
each other, would cost each State, say $18,000. Whilst the cost of 
laying down a line constructed from the vestiges of the old line it is 
impossible to estimate. The surveyors might withdraw from the 
Held under the impression of having finished their work, but there 
is no knowing how often they might be recalled to explain their 
work. 

A geodetic line laid down by the bureau would embrace a belt in 
each State, on each side of the parallel, from fifteen to thirty miles 
wide ; a belt which would contain every object of interest embraced 
within that area. A geodetic line would possess the advantage of 
having trigonometrical references to the parallel, by means of whi(;h 
it could always be. restored, should it by accident, or (as it would 
most certainly) by design, at any time become disintegrated. 

We see by Major Clarke's report that he has reason to believe 
that his line has been tampered with already, and he has reason to 
infer that the line has been tampered with in various places in ycavs 
gone by. 

Any other line could only be preserved, or attempted to be pre- 
served, by close local indices. Self-interest or mere wanton mischief 

* The survey referred to by Col. Worrall is not in charge of the United States 
Coast Survey l)ureau, but is a State survey uuderaboard of State coraiuissioners. 



12 [Senate 

might seriously break it at many points ; it and its local references 
both. But trioronometrical references, such as none but scientific 
knowledge could even understand (although perfectly simple to 
geodetic surveyors from the records), would retain the means of 
renewing the Hue against all its enemies, wliether those of accident, 
design or neglect, through the inattention of years. 

Unless this parallel is laid down what have we for the data of our 
boundary ? It is only necessary to read Major Clarke's reports 
and examine his maps to answer. If the old line be called for — 
what is the old line ? We find two pieces of the old line ; one, per- 
haps, curving to the north, the other to the south, and a gap between 
them. Did the curves continue into the gap and how far 'i The 
curves possess no status in geometry ; we imagine tangents to them, 
versed sines, abscissas, what not ; but they are not to bo defined by 
any such references. Did the northern curvature extend into the 
gap, or was the gap straight, or where did the southern curvature 
commence ? An answer to any of these questions must be made 
empirically. There is no specialty of rule, and an owner likes to know 
how to set up his fences, yet how can he do it ? Owners are some- 
times scientific men — star-gazers let us say. Such mon, knowing that 
these boundaries have reference to the heavens, will be found very 
often appealing to the heavens and asking the authorities to have the 
errors they have discovered corrected, for they can use a telescope as 
well as the survej^or-general, who has set their metes and bounds. 

But this subject is almost infinite. Thousands of cases may be 
imagined through which trouble would arise to posterity, unless we 
lay down the line now, appealing to the highest scientific light 
attainable. That was indeed done by our forefathers. 

The first surveyors of this line were philosophers of the age, 
friends and corresponds of Franklin, Rumford perhaps, and other 
distinguished lights of the last century in Christendom. The Riften- 
houses, the Ellicotts, the Porters, the Clintons and others, who were 
interested in these boundaries, were the highest authorities of the 
age. They have left imperfect work behind them, but their instru- 
ments were imperfect, and geodesy was hardly known at that day. 
Their meridians are fair enoug'i, but their parallels we can liardly 
understand. Their astronomical stations do not seem to be seriously 
erroneous, but their parallel is absolutely unintelligible. Yet how 
much of that has remained undisturbed for one hundred years — 
who can tell ? * 

*S«e remarks of Assistant Edwin Smith in Report of United States Coast and 
Geodetic Survey for 1880, p. 18. 



No. 71.] 13 

Thej had the best instruments of the day it is true ; they got 
them from the best makers known at the time ; jet see what work 
they have left behind them ! But again ; these men were the 
highest authority of tlie age, selected by the great parties in interest. 
Is it not the duty of the same parties in interest to select the highest 
authorities of this age ? 

Then these authorities were individual philosophers. To-day Ave 
have an institution whose geodetic work has shed a luster u})on our 
countiy. 

The work of the Coast Survey has been tested again and again, 
and is acknowledged to have attained to a precision not surpassed by 
any similar work in any part of the world. Shall we have this 
boundary laid down by them, or shall we trust to private authority, 
which, however adept in ordinary surveying, is, naj', cannot but be 
inexperienced in geodetic work. 

Tlie utmost difference in cost can scarcely reach to $10,000 for 
each State, and what is that in comparison to the satisfaction that 
would be felt by the State and people, knowing that their work is 
done as correctly as it is possible to have it done at this time. 

But regarding the line as it has been explored, who can estimate 
the difficulties, were we to undertake to adopt it ? Major Clarke 
suggests that it would possibly be necessary to revise, at more than 
one point, at tlie final settling. 

It would indeed be necessary to revise it at very many points at 
the final settling. Indeed wo cannot see how it is possible to pro- 
nounce on it unless we know where the forty-second parallel is for 
the whole distance. 

Whatever trouble may seem to be necessary in fixing this bound- 
ary had better be taken now. To defer the final consideration is 
only putting off the evil day. The longer it is deferred the greater 
will be the uncertainty, and the greater will be the final cost. 

The two Legislatures may be reported to, laying down the facts 
as they are, and the whole matter can be proceeded with under the 
provisions of a concurrent bill. 

I beg that you will lay the above letter before your board for 
their consideration, and as both Legislatures meet very soon, the}', 
the Legislatures, should be informed of the position of affairs up to 
the period of their meeting. 

Can we arrange matters by correspondence ? 

I am very respectfully your obedient servant, 

JAMES WORRALL, Chairman. 



14 [Senate 

STATE OF l^EW YORK : 
New York and Pennsylvania Boundary Commission, ) 
Office of the Regents of the University, v 

Albany, December 30, 1880. ) 

To the Hon. James Worrall, Chairman^ etc. : 

Dear Sir — I have read and considered very carefully your com- 
munication of December 11th, in regard to the boundary line 
between New York and Pennsylvania, and I have noted your 
proposition as to the future joint action of the commissioners of the 
two States. 

Without undertaking to discuss in detail the points, which you so 
ably state in your paper, it will be better that I proceed at once to 
explain the position of the New York commission, and the limita- 
tions M'ithin which any further action on their part must be taken. 

Declared Policy of the State of New York. 

In the first place, from the whole tenor of the action of the State 
of New York, and especially from its declarations as to the present 
case, I think I am authorized in saying that the State has adopted a 
definite policy, as to the principles which should govern in all 
measures regarding its boundary lines. The original resolution, 
passed by the Senate April 19, 1867, authorized the Regents of the 
University : " To cause an examination to be instituted as to the con- 
dition and true location of the monuments which mark the several 
boundaries of the State, and ascertain whether any, and what action 
may be needed to preserve and renew them." 

Chapter 424 of the Laws of 1 875 authorizes the Regents of the 
University : " To resume the work of examination as to the true loca- 
tion of the monuments which mark the several boundaries of the 
State * -» * and, in connection with the authorities of Pennsyl- 
vania and New Jersey respectivelj-, to replace any monuments which 
have become dilapidated or been removed." 

The authority conferred by these two express declarations of the 
Legislature, it will be seen, extends only to the work of examining 
as to the monuments, and of replacing any which have become di- 
lapidated or been removed, and does not contemplate any step toward 
locating a new line, or erecting monuments on any other than the 
original line. 

A similar definite policy is apparent in the action of the Legisla- 
ture in regard to the Connecticut boundary. By chapter 159 of the 



Ko. 71.] 15 

Laws of ISOO, it directs the commissioners: " To survey and mark 
with suitable monuments the said line between the two States, as 
fixed by the survey of 1731." The State of Connecticut for a time 
resisted this mode of settlement and insisted on a ratification of the 
line, to make it accord with the verbal description ; but finally by au 
agreement between the commissioners of the two Sratcs, ratified by 
both States, the line originally surveyed and which had Ijeeii recog- 
nized as such, was fixed as the true bound try. 

The same policy is manifest in the language of the Revised Stat- 
utes in which the boundaries of the State of Xcw York are estab- 
lished by law. The boundary between Xew York and Pcnn>ylvania 
is not described as the line of the forty -second parallel, !)ut as " the 
line established and marked by the last-mentioned commissioners." 
According to this statute, the line actually traced on the ground by 
the joint commissioners of the two States is the legal an 1 authentic 
boundary. 

Finally referring to the line between ]S"ew Y'ork and Pennsylvania, 
in an act passed May 20, ISSO, it is declared that the lines originally 
laid down and marked with monuments ])y the several joint commis- 
sioners duly appointed for that purpose, and w'lich have since been 
acknowledged and legally recognized by the several States interested, 
as the limits of their territory and jurisdiction, are the boundary 
lines of said States, irrespective of want of conformity to the verbal 
descriptions thereof. The same act authorizes the E-egents to desig- 
nate three (^f their number as commissioners, who, in connection 
with commissioners from the otiier States, " shall proceed to ascer- 
tain and agree upon the location of said line as originally established 
and marked with monuments ; and in case any monuments are found 
dilapidated or removed from their original location, said commission- 
ers are authorized to renew or replace them in a durable manner in 
their original positions, and to erect such additional monuments at 
such places on said line as they may deem necessary for the proper 
designation of the boundary lines of said States." 

In view of these plain indications, and especially this last un- 
equivocal declaration, there can be no doubt that it is the settled 
policy of the State "of New York to hold the lines originally laid 
doAvn on the ground, and recognized as the limits of their teri-itory 
and jurisdiction, as the true boundary lines, irrespective of their 
want of scientific accuracy. 



16 [Senate 

Decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States. 

2. This policy which the State has adopted, and made the basis 
of its action, in every case of disputed boundarj^, is that which is 
sanctioned by the decisions of the Supreme Court of the United 
States. A celebrated case, in which the question here considered 
was adjudicated, was that of Rhode Island v. MassachusetU^ as 
reportel in 12 and 11 Peters and 4 Howard. The boundary line 
in dispute was described in the letters-patent to tlie Colony of 
Massachusett:i Bay in 1621, as lying "three English miles south of 
the Charles river, or any part thereof." 

In 1612 this boundary was run by surveyors, taking as their start- 
ing-point, a stake set three miles south of the most southern bend of 
a small tributary of the Charles river, and not of the river itself. 
The question as to the true location of the boundary was finally 
brought into court by the State of Rhode Island, alleging that the 
line as run upon the ground did not conform to the legal description 
thereof. The final decision was rendered in 1810, in which Justice 
McLean, who delivered the opinion of the court, in speaking of this 
point, says : 

" For the security of rights, whether of States or individuals, 
long possession under a claim of title is 2')rotected. And there is no 
controversy in which this great principle may be involved "with 
greater justice and propriety, than in a case of disputed boundary." 
And, again, " Whatever inaccuracy may be detected in the latitude 
or h>ngitude of the station of Woodward and Sallrey, as given by 
them, or in the volume of water called for, the place being identified 
will control other calls." (1 Howard.) 

It was on such reasoning that the case was decided against Rhode 
Island and the line as run on the ground, although through a mis- 
conception erroneously located, was confirmed as the true boundary. 

Practice of the United States. 

3. It will be found that this principle, in the settlement of 
boundary lines, is one which has been observed in all disputes, 
whether between States, or between the United States and foreign 
powers. Thus, in the case of the north-eastern boundary between 
this country and Canada, a portion of it, lying on the north of 
Vermont and New York, is described in the treaty of 1783, as fol- 
lows: " Thence down along the middle of said river (Connecticut) 
to the forty-fifth degree of north latitude ; from thence by a line 



No. 71.] 17 

due west on said latitude, until it strikes the river Iroquois or 
Cataraquy," etc. (Treaty of 1783, art. 2.) 

Now this line of the forty-fifth degree of north latitude had been 
surveyed by Yalentine and Collins previous to 1774. But the work, 
although perhaps as well done as the instruments and methods of 
tlie time would allow, was not equal to the tests applied to it half a 
century later. At St. Hegis the old line differed from the rectified 
line by 1,375 feet, and at Rouse's Point the two diverged 4,576 feet, 
nearly a mile. 

Yet in the settlement of this boundary effected by the Ashburton 
Treaty in 1842, instead of ijisisting on a rectification of the line, 
and the establishment of a scientific boundary, the high contracting 
parties agreed that the old line should be adhered to, describing it 
in words as follows: " Thence down the middle of said stream, till 
the line thus run intersects the old line of boundary, surveyed and 
marked by Valentine and Collins, pre\ious to 1774, as the forty-fifth 
degree of north latitude, and which has been known and understood 
to be the line of actual division between the States of New York 
and Yermont, on one side, and the British Province of Canada on 
the other ; and from said point of intersection, west along said 
dividing line, as heretofore known and understood, to the Iroquois or 
St. Lawrence river." 

Scientific Boundaries Impossible. 
4. This principle for the settlement of boundaries seems to be a 
necessary result of the imperfection of the methods which must be 
used to locate a hue according to its verbal description. To rim a 
straight line on the surface of the ground is an impossibility. The 
very highest result of modern science is only an approximation, more 
or less accurate, according to the precision of the instruments, and 
the skill and time expended by the surveyors. If, therefore, we 
were to admit the necessity of making a boundary line conform per- 
fectly to its description, in order that it should become the true 
boundary, we should be compelled to run it anew at every advance 
in scientific instruments, and readjust the questions of land titles and 
jurisdiction at every new rectification. The only escape from this 
conclusion is in applying to the boundaries of States the same prin- 
ciples that we employ in questions of boundary between the prop- 
erty of individuals. We must regard the line upon the ground, run 
with the best skill available at the time, and indorsed and acquiesced 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 3 



18 [Senate 

in by the States, as the permanent boundaries. The formal laying 
out of the lino and the marking with monuments must be looked 
upon as the joint interpretation of the verbal description, whicli in- 
terpretation the parties agree to regard as the true line, and by their 
agreement are estopped from thereafter calling in question. 

History of the New York and Pennsylvania Boundary. 

5. The history of the New York and Pennsylvania boundary illus- 
trates, in the most striking manner, the importance of the principles 
above stated. The northern boundary of Pennsylvania was described 
in the original letters-patent, granted to William Penn, as the be- 
ginning of the forty-third degree of northern latitude. The line 
along this parallel remained undetermined and unmarked until, in 
1774, the initial point thereof on the Delaware river was ascertained 
and fixed astronomically by the joint commissioners appointed for 
that pui-pose, viz.: Samuel Holland, on the part of New York, and 
David Eittenhouse, on the part of Pennsylvania. No further steps 
were taken in the matter till the close of the war, when the demand 
for lands in central and western New York, and in the rich valleys 
of Pennsylvania, called attention to the necessity of settling the limits 
of the two States. The State of Pennsylvania first moved in the 
matter and appointed commissioners " to run and mark a temporary 
line." Governor George Clinton, of New York, at once procured 
the passage of an act providing for a joint comtnission " to run ont, 
mark and ascertain the said line of jurisdiction, beginning at the place 
so fixed and ascertained by the said commissioners, as above men- 
tioned, on the Mohawk, or western branch of the Delaware, at the 
beginning of the forty-third degree of north latitude." 

Governor Clinton, in communicating this action of the New York 
Legislature to Governor Dickinson, of Pennsylvania, calls his atten- 
tion to the fact, that " our law provides for the establishment of a 
permanent line * * * instead of a temporary line, between the 
two States." Whereupon, on the suggestion of Governor Dickin- 
son, the Pennsylvania General Assembly rescinded its former action, 
and passed an act March 31, 1785, providing for a joint commission 
to establish the common boundary. David Eittenhouse and Andrew 
Porter were appointed commissioners on the part of Pennsylvania, 
and Philip Schuyler, James Clinton and Simeon De AVitt, commis- 
sioners on the part of New York. 

The joint commission, in the summer of 1786, finished ninety 



No. 71.] 19 

miles of the line to the Tioga river, marking the same with sub- 
stantial mile-stones. The work was resumed in 1787, with Andrew 
Ellicott and Andrew Porter as commissioners from Pennsylvania 
and Abraham Hardenbergh and William W. Morris, commissioners 
from New York. For the purpose of greater accuracy, they divided 
the whole line, from the Delaware to Lake Erie, into sections, and at 
stations determined, by astronomical observations, the latitude. The 
several commissioners reported the results to their States. 

This line so run and marked, comprising the initial point on the 
Delaware river, the ninety miles run in 1786, and the remainder in 
1787, was established and confirmed by act of the State of Pennsyl- 
vania, passed September 29, 1789, as the boundary between it and 
the State of New York, as follows : " That the said boundary line, 
so as aforesaid run, marked and returned, * * * * gj^^U be, 
and forever hereafter shall be deemed and taken to be, and is hereby 
declared to be, the true and just line of boundary and partition, both 
of territory and jurisdiction, between the State of Pennsylvania and 
the State of New York." 

In like manner the State of New York by formal statute enacted 
that " it is therefore declared that the State of New York is bounded 
as follows : - * - * to a monument in the beginning of the 
forty-third degree of north latitude, erected in the year 1787, by 
Abraham Hardenbergh and William W. Morris, commissioners on 
the part of this State, and Andrew Ellicott and Andrew Porter, 
commissioners on the part of the State of Pennsylvania, for the pur- 
pose of marking the termination of the line of jurisdiction between 
this State and the said State of Pennsylvania ; then east along the 
line established and marked by the said last-mentioned commissioners 
to the ninetieth mile-stone in the same parallel of latitude, erected iu 
the year 1786 by James Clinton and Simeon DeWitt, commissioners 
on the part of this State, and Andrew Ellicott, commissioner on the 
part of Pennsylvania, which said ninetieth mile-stone stands on the 
western side of the south branch of the Tioga river, then east along 
the line established and marked by said last-mentioned commission- 
ers, to a stone erected in the year 1771:, on a small island in the 
Delaware river by Samuel Holland and David Kittenhouse, commis- 
sioners on the part of the colonies of New York and Pennsylvania, 
for the purpose of marking the beginning of the forty-third degree 
of north latitude." (N. T. Revised Statutes.) 

It is evident from the language of authorizing and confirming acts 



20 [Senate 

on the part of both States, that it is the lines run upon the ground 
which were intended to be, and were confirmed as the permanent 
boundaries. 

Nothing can be stronger or more unequivocal than the declaration 
of the State of Pennsylvania. And in the light of these declarations, 
it seems unwarrantable for the joint commission to open the whole 
question anew, and undertake to make a new boundary between the 
States. From such a step certainly the JSTew York commissioners 
are restrained not only by considerations as to the general policy of 
the State, but by the definite instructions contained in the act under 
which they were appointed and are now acting. 

Conclusion and Recommendations. 

"What remains for the joint commissioners to do, under these cir- 
cumstances, seems plain. It is to restore the marking of the old Jine. 

That this presents some difficulties there is no doubt. The state 
of the line as revealed by the reconnaissance of Major Clarke, the 
surveyor for tlie joint commissioners, shows clearly that the work of 
restoring it is undertaken none too soon. As to the methods to be 
pursued, they do not differ from those pursued in ascertaining the 
boundary lines between tracts of land owned by individuals. This 
principle is expressly decided in the case of Rhode Island v. Mas- 
sachusetts^ 12 Peters, 734. 

First, monuments or marks on the ground must govern. Wher- 
ever such marks can be found, they determine points in the line. If 
there is evidence of the marks havino: been changed from their oris:- 
inal location, they must be restored to their ancient place. When 
the monuments are lost, then evidence of their original location must 
be gathered from the boundary hnes of tracts of" land abutting on the 
State line, from public acts of recognition as shown In the jurisdic- 
tion exercised by local officers and courts, and from traditional testi- 
mony supported by such public acts. Having ascertained the mon- 
uments, or the places where they once were, the intermediate lines 
between them must be run and connected, so as to form a continu- 
ous boundary, however crooked it may turn out to be, or whether it 
conforms to the forty -second parallel ov not.* 

It is just as easy to connect the monuments of such a line with a 



* See opinion of Hon. George A. Simmons in regard to the Connecticut bound- 
ary, in which the same principles here involved are discussed. The Connecticut 
boundary was settled in accordance with tliesa principles. (N. Y. Senate Doo- 
ament 165, 1857.) This opinion is given in full in the report of Major Clarke. 



.\o. 71.] 21 

system of trigonometrical stations, as those pi-oposed to be put upon 
the scientific parallel. Such monuments would, therefore, have the 
same security against being lost or displaced as those of a new line. 
The New York State Survey will reach many parts of this 
line in the summer of 1881, and it will be entirely feasible to make 
each of the monuments a station in the triangulation and thus to fix 
effectually its location, so that it may at any time be found. 

The difficulty of accomplishing such a restoration of the old line 
would be as nothing 3onipared with the embarrassment and incon- 
venience, not to say the injustice, caused by the survey of a new line 
on the forty-second parallel. Probably through its entire extent, it 
would vary from the recognized line, sometimes on one side and 
some times on the other. Persons and property with all their vested 
rights would be transferred from the jurisdiction of one State to 
that of another. Private titles would be disturbed, the limits of 
towns, counties and villages would be changed and endless sources 
of litigation would be opened. No "system of compromise" or 
compensation, in my opinion, can be conceived, which will be ade- 
quate to make amends for such consequences. 

Proposed Course to be Pursued. 
Instead of attempting this, I respectfully submit, on the part of 
the New York commission, the following course, which the joint 
commission, in the further prosecution of their duties, may legiti- 
mately and properly pursue : 

1. That the work of examining the monuments, and describing 
:ind mapping the present condition of the line, be completed. 

2. That the woi'k of restoring the monuments be at once under- 
taken ; granite to be used as the material ; underground marks and 
reference points to be established. 

3. That additional monuments on the line be established, at its 
intersection with important roads and rivei'S, where their publicity 
will make thetn useful ae reference points, and will protect them 
against disturbance. 

4. That the portion of the line intervening between the monu- 
naents be aligned and described in the recoi'ds of the commission. 

5. That a map of the line be constructed in duplicate, to form part 
of the records to be deposited in the archives of the two States. 

6. That arrangements be made with the commissioners of the 
New York State Survey, that whenever and wherever their opera- 



22 [Senate 

tions shall reach this line, the monuments thereof shall be included 
in and form stations of their triangulation ; and that whenever a 
survey of the State of Pennsylvania shall be carried out, measures be 
taken to effect in the triangulation a similar connection with the 
boundary monuments. 

I have the honor to be, very respectfully your obedient servant. 

HENEY R. PIEESON, 
Chairman of the New York Com/missiotu 

Eeoeganization of the Commission. 
In the meantime the following act had been passed by the Legis- 
lature : 

AN ACT to provide for the settlement of the boundary lines between 
the State of New York and the States of Pennsylvania and New 
Jersey respectively. 

Passed May 20, 1880; tbree-fiftlis being present. 

The People of the State of Neio York, represented in Senate and 
Assembly, do enact as follows: 

Section 1. Whereas, by an act of the Legislature, passed the 26th 
day of May, 1875, the Regents of the University were authorized and 
directed, " in connection with the authorities of Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey, respectively, to replace any monuments which have be- 
come dilapidated or been removed, on the boundary lines of those 
States ; " and, whereas, from the examination made by said Regents 
it has been found that said monuments, as located by the original 
"joint commissioners, do not conform in all cases to the verbal descrip- 
tions of said lines, and questions have arisen between the commis- 
sioners of said States as to the proper location of said monuments ; 
therefore, it is hereby declared that the lines originally laid down 
and marked with monuments by the several joint commissioners 
duly appointed for that purpose, and which have since been acknowl- 
edged and legally recognized by the several States interested as the 
limits of their territory and jurisdiction, are the boundary lines of 
said States, irrespective of want of conformity to the verbal descrip- 
tions thereof. 

§ 2. Said Regents are hereby authorized and empowered to desig- 
nate and appoint three of their number as commissioners to meet 
such commissioners as have been or may be appointed and vested 
with similar powers, on the part of the States of Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey, or either of them, and with such last-mentioned com- 
missioners, as soon as may be, to proceed to ascertain and agree upon 
the location of said lines as originally established and marked with 
monuments; and in case any monuments are found dilapidated or 
removed from their original location, said commissioners are autlior- 
iaed to renew or replace them in a durable manner, in their original 



No. 71.] 23 

positions, and to erect such additional monuments at such places on 
said lines as they may deem necessary for the proper designation of 
the boundary lines of said States. The said Regents shall report 
the action of said commissioners to the Legislature of this State for 
its consideration and ratilication. 

§ 3. The sum of three thousand dollars, or so much thereof as 
may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any moneys in the 
treasury applicable for such purposes, to pay the necessary expenses 
and disbursements of said commissioners in the performance of the 
duties required by this act, and the Comptrollei* is authorized to 
draw his warrant upon the Treasurer for moneys hereby appropri- 
ated from time to time as the same may be needed. 

§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately. 

In pursuance of the above law the Regents of the University, on 
the 13th day of July, 1880, adopted the following resolution: 

Whereas, By chapter 340 of the Laws of 1880, the Board of 
Hegents are " authorized and empowered to designate and appoint 
three of their number as commissioners to meet such commissioners 
as have been or may be appointed and vested with similar powers 
on the ])art of the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersev. or either 
of then), and to proceed to ascertain and agree upon tho location of 
said lines as originally established and marked with monuments . " 
thei'efore. 

Resolved, That Yice-Chancellor Pierson and Regents Leavenworth 
and DejDew be appointed commissioners under the above act with 
full powers to carry out the provisions thereof. 

The commissioners thus appointed entered at once upon the work 
intrusted to them. Annual reports have been made by them to the 
Legislature, showing the progress made from year to year by the 
joint commission in agreeing upon and establishing the boundary 
line between the two States, in replacing monuments which were 
found dilapidated or removed, and in erecting such additional monu- 
ments as they deemed necessar}-. For information in regard to the 
progress of the work in these particulars, reference is respectfully 
made to these annual reports. 

Instructions were issued to the surveyors (for which see Appendix 
AA) giving full directions for the continuance and completion of 
the work in hand. 

In pursuance of these instructions the surveyors proceeded to re- 
survey the line and remark it with monuments. The details of 
their operations are given in the report made by thera to the joint 
commissioners, and is herewith transmitted, and in tlie field-books 
kept by them. 



24 [Senacb 

Final Agreement. 
The work of surveying the boundary hue and re-mai-king it with 
suitable and durable monuments having thus been completed to the 
satisfaction of the commissioners of the two States, a formal agree- 
ment was made by the commissioners, and duly executed by them 
on behalf of the two States. It was stipulated that this agreement 
should become binding and operative Mdienever it should be ratified 
and confirmed by the Legislatures of the two States, and approved 
by the Congress of the United States. Accordingly a bill has been 
framed and is submitted herewith, ratifying and confirming the 
agreement entered into by the commissioners. By this bill the Gov- 
ernor is authorized, when he shall have received due notice of a 
like ratification by the State of Pennsylvania, in concurrence with 
the Executive of Pennsylvania, to communicate the action of the 
two States to Congress and to ask its approval of the same. The 
agreement entered into by the commissioners is as follows: 

AN" AG-REEMENT made tlie Twenty-sixth day of March, in the 
year Eighteen hundred and eighty-six, between Henry R. Pieraon^ 
Ellas W. Leavenworth and Chauncey 31. Depew^ Commission- 
ers on the part of the State of Neio Yorl:,^ and Christopher M. 
Gere and Robert N. Torrey, Commissioners on the part of the 
State of Pennsylvania. 

Whekeas, By the first section of Chapter four hundred and 
twenty-four of the Laws of the State of New York for the year 
1875, the Regents of the University of tiie State of New York 
were authorized and directed to resume the work of •' examination 
as to the true location of the monuments which mark the several 
boundaries of this State " as authorized by the resolutions of the 
Senate of April 19, 18G7, and, in connection with the authorities of 
Pcnnsyh'ania, to replace any monuments which may have become 
dilapidated or been removed on the Boundary line of that State ; 
and 

Whereas, The said Board of Regents of the University did, 
through a Committee of said Board, previously appointed for the 
purpose under said Senate Resolutions of 1867, proceed to carry 
out the instructions contained in said Chapter four liundred and 
twenty-four of the Laws of 1875 ; and 

Whereas, By Chapter three hundred and forty of the Laws of 
the said State of New York for the year 1880, the said Regents of 
the University were further authorized and empowered to designate 
and appoint three of their number as Commissioners to meet such 
Commissioners as may have been, or may be, appointed on the part 
of the State of Pennsylvania, and with such last-named Commission- 



No. 71.] 25 

ers, as soon as may be, to proceed to ascertain and agree npon the 
location of the Bonndary Hue between s;ud States, as originally es- 
tablished and marked with monuments, and in case any moimments 
are found dilapidated or removed from their original locations, to 
replace them in a durable manner in their original positions, and to 
erect such additional monuments at such places on said lines as they 
may deem necessary for the jjroper designation of the Boundary 
line between said iStates ; and 

Whereas, The above named Henry R. Pierson, Ellas W. Leaven- 
worth and Chauncey M. Depew, were by resolution passed on the 
thirteenth day of Jidy, ISSO, duly designated and appointed by the 
said Regents of the University of the State of New York as Commis- 
sioners on the part of the State of New York for the purposes men- 
tioned in said Act : and 

Whereas. Also, by an Act of the Legislature of the State of 
Pennsylvania entitled " An Act in regard to the Boundary monu- 
ments on the line between the State of Pennsylvania and New 
York with an appropriation for expenses of the same " passed May 
8, 1876, the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania was authorized 
and empowered '' to appoint three persons to be a Commission to 
actm conjunction with a similar Commission of the State of New 
York, to examine as to the true location of the monuments which 
mark the Boundary line between this State and the State of New 
York, and in connection with said Commission of the said State of 
New York, to replace any monuments which have become dilapi- 
dated or been removed on the Boundary lines of said States : " and 

Whereas, The Governor of the State of Pennsylvania under 
authority of said Act did duly designate and appoint James Worrall, 
Christopher M. Gere and Robert N . Torrey to be a Commission for 
the purposes of said Act ; and 

Whereas, James Worrall, the first named member of said Com- 
mission, died during the progress of the work on said boundary line, 
to-wit, on April 1, 18S5, and the surviving members, to-wit, Chris- 
topher M. Gere and Robert N. Torrey, have continued the work of 
said Commission on the part of the State of Pennsylvania, authorized 
by the aforesaid Act : 

Now, THEREFORE, The Said Commissioners, for and on behalf of 
their respective States, having duly performed the duties imposed 
upon them by the said acts, and having examined said Boundary 
line and replaced in a durable manner the monuments to mark the 
same, in pursuance of the authority duly given as aforesaid, have 
agreed, and do hereby agree, as follows : 

FiEST. The channel of the Delaware River, from a line drawn 
across said channel, from a granite monument erected upon the East- 
ern bank of said River, in the year 1882, by the Joint Boundary 
Commission of the State of New Jersey and New York, to mark 
the Western extremity of the Boundary line between said States of 
New Jersey and New York, in a AVesterly prolongation of said 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 4 



26 [Senate 

Boundary line, up and alonof said channel of said Delaware River, 
as it Avinds and turns, for a distance of eighty-five miles or there- 
abouts, to a line drawn East across said River, from a granite monu- 
ment erected upon the West bank of said River, in the year 1884, 
bv H. W. Clarke and C. M. Gere, to mark the Eastern extremity of 
the first line hereinafter described, shall continue to be a part of 
the Boundary or partition line between the said two States : Pro- 
Abided, however, that the limit of territory between the said two 
States shall be the center of the said main channel ; and Provided 
further, that each State shall enjoy and exercise a concurrent juris- 
diction Avithin and upon the water of said main channel, between 
the lines of low Avater at either bank thereof, between the limits 
hereinbefore mentioned. 

Second. The line extending from the Delaware River aforesaid, 
at a point upon said river fixed and marked with monuments (which 
have since disappeared), by David Rittenhouse and Samuel Holland, 
in the month of November, in the year 1774, West, as the same Avas 
surveyed and inarked with monuments in the year 1786, as far as 
the ninetieth milestone, by James Clinton and Simeon DeWitt, 
Commissioners on the part of the State of Xew York, duly ap- 
pointed for that purpose by the Governor of said State, in pursu- 
ance of an Act of the Legislature of said State, entitled, " An Act 
for running out and marking the Jurisdiction line betAveen this State 
and the Commoinvealth of Pennsylvania," passed 7, March, 1785, 
and DaA^d Ritteniiouse, AndrcAV Porter, and AndreAV Ellicott, 
Commissioners on the part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 
duly appointed for that purpose by the Supreme Executive Council 
of said CommouAvealth, in pursuance of an Act of the General As- 
sembly of said CommouAvealth, entitled, "An Act to authorize and 
enable the Supreme Executive Council to appoint Commissioners, 
to join Avith the Commissioners appointed, or to l)e appointed on 
the part of the State of Xew York, to ascertain the IS'orthern 
boundary of this State from the river DelaAvare westAvard to the 
Northwest corner of Pennsylvania," passed 31 March 1785, and 
from the said ninetieth milestone, West, as the same was surveyed 
and marked with monuments and posts in 1787, by Abraham Har- 
denbergh and William W. Morris, Commissioners on the part of 
the said State of New York duly appointed in the place of Simeon 
DeWitt and James Clinton aforesaid, by the Governor of said State, 
in pursuance of the Act aforesaid, and the Act supplementary 
thereto, passed by the Legislature of said State, 21 April, 1787, and 
Andrew Ellicott and AndreAV Porter aforesaid, Commissioners on 
the ])art of the CommouAvealth of Pennsylvania, to the point at 
which said line is intersected by the Line of Cession or Meridian 
Boundary hereinafter described, which said lino, so surveyed and 
marked in the years 1786 and 1787, has since been acknoAAd edged 
and recognized by the said two States as a part of the limit of their 
respective territory and jurisdiction, shall, notwithstanding any 



No. 71.] 27 . 

want of conformity to tlie verbal description as written in the 
Charter of the Pi'o\'ince of Pennsylvania, granted to William Penn 
in the year 1G82, or as recited by the Conmiissioners aforesaid, 
continue to be the boundary or partition line between the two said 
States from the Delaware River aforesaid to the said point of inter- 
section with tlie said Line of Cession ; Provided, that wherever 
upon said line the locations of any of tlie monuments or posts 
erected by the said Commissioners in 1786 and 1787 have been lost 
and cannot otherwise be definitely fixed, then and in that case, and 
in every case where it is required to establish intervening- points in 
said line, a straight line drawn between the nearest adjacent monu- 
ments whose localities are ascertained, shall be understood to be and 
shall be, the true Boundary line. 

Third. The Line of Cession, described as a meridian line drawn 
from the fortj'-fifth degree of North latitude, Soutli through the most 
westerly bent or inclination of Lake Ontario, in the Deed of Cession 
to the United States of certain territory claimed by the State of New 
York, lying West of said line, executed 1 March 1781, by James 
Duane, William Floyd, and Alexander McDougall, Delegates in 
Congress of said United States from the said State of New York, 
in pursuance of an Act of the Legislature of said State, entitled, " An 
Act to facihtate the Completion of the Articles of Confederation 
and perpetual Union among the Ignited States of America," passed 
19 February, 1780, which said territory was afterward conveyed by 
the United States aforesaid to, and became a part of tlie territory 
and jurisdiction of, the said Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as the 
said line was surveyed and marked with posts and moiminents of 
stone in the year 1790, by Andrew Ellicott, who was duly appointed 
for that purpose by the President of the United States, in jwrsuance 
of a resolution of Congress passed 19 Angust, 1789, which said line. 
and its prolongation due North into the waters of Lake Erie until it 
intersects the Northern Boundary of the United States aforesaid, 
have since been acknowledged and recognized by the said two States, 
as a part of the limit of their respective territoiy and jurisdiction, 
shall notwithstanding ajiy possible Avant of conformity to the verbal 
description thereof as contained in said Deed of Cession, continue to 
be the boundary or partition line between the two said States, so far 
as said line so surveyed and marked in 1790, shall extend. 

Fourth. The monumental marks by which the said Boundary line, 
except such portions thereof as may lie within the waters of the 
Delaware River and Lake Erie, shall hereafter be known and recog- 
nized, are hereby declared to be: 

L The original monuments of stone erected in the years 178G and 
1787, by the" Commissioners aforesaid, and in the year 1790, by 
Andrew Ellicott aforesaid, as the same have been restored and re- 
established in their original positions, or have been replaced by gran- 
ite monuments erected in the years 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, andlS85 
by H. Wadsworth Clarke, Surveyor on the part of the State of 



28 [Senaik! 

New York, and Christopher M. Gere, Surveyor on the part of Penn- 
sylvania, duly appointed by the parties hereto, 

II. The new monuments of granite erected in the years 1881 to 
1885 inclusive, by the aforesaid surveyors at intervals of one mile, 
more or less, and numbered consecutively, along said line originally 
surveyed and marked in the years 1786 and 1787, beginning from 
the Delaware River ; and severally marked on the north side with 
the letters " N. Y.," and on the South side with the letters " PA," 
and along said line originally surveyed and marked in the year 1790, 
beginning at the shore of Lake Erie, and severally marked on the 
east side with the letters " N. Y." and on the West side with the 
letters " PA" 

III. The new monuments of granite erected by the said surveyors, 
in the years 1881 to 1885 inclusive aforesaid, at intervening points 
on .said line, and at its intersection with public roads, railroads, and 
rivers, and at other points, and severally marked on the one side 
with the letters " N. Y." and on the other side with the letters 
" PA." 

IV. A large monument of granite, erected in the year 1884, by 
the said Surveyors, 600 feet West of the center of the Delaware 
River in the said line originally fixed in the year 1786, to mark 
its eastern terminus : A large monument of granite, erected in the 
year 1884, by the said Surveyors in the said line or Meridian 
Boundary as originally fixed in the year 1790, 100 feet north 
from its intersection with the line originally surveyed as aforesaid 
in the year 1787, which said point of intersection is marked by a 
small uioiiument of granite buried in the center of the highway in 
1884 by the said Surveyors ; and also a large monument of granite, 
erected in the year 1869, by John Y. L. Pruyn, George R. Perkins, 
Samuel B. Woolworth, and George W. Patterson, on the part of the 
State of New York, and William Evans, on the part of the State of 
Pennsylvania, 440 feet south of the original tnonument, erected in 
tlie year 1700, by Andrew Ellicott aforesaid, upon the South shore of 
I^ake Erie, in the line originally surveyed and marked by him, as 
aforesaid. 

Fifth. The field-book of said Surveyors, containing the notes of 
the re-surveys along said line in the years 1877, 1878, and 1879 ; also 
t.lie ''Record of Monuments " prepared by said Surveyors, containing 
the descriptions of the locations of the several monuments erected 
by them, and of the witness marks thereto. Also the Maps of said 
line, and the vicinity thereof, showing the locations of said monu- 
ments ; and also the " Diary of Operations " of said Surveyors, under 
the direction of the parties hereto ; the same having been duly authen- 
ticated by the signatures of the said Surveyors. And the several 
documents and books of record, containing the transactions of the 
parties hereto; all of which being placed on file in the ofiice of the 
Secretary of State of New York, and the office of the Secretary of 
Internal Affairs of Pennsylvania shall constitute the permanent and 



No. 71.] 29 

authentic records of said Boundary lino and are hereby adopted by 
the parties hereto; and made a part of this agreement. 

Sixth. This Agreement ahall become binding- upon the two State* 
when ratified by tlie Legislatures tliereof respectively; and when con- 
firmed by the Congress of the United States. 

In Witness whereof, the said Commissioners have hereunto set 
their hands and seals, in duplicate, the Twenty -sixth day of March 
1886 aforesaid. 

Executed in the presence of 
Witnesses. 

As to Henky H. PiERSoN ) jj ^ PIERSON, 

JliUWARD 1. Devlin, \ 
Ae to E. W. Leavenworth, ) ^ LEAVENWORTH, 
H. W. Clarke, j ' 

As to Chauncey M. Depew, [ CHAUNCEY M. DEPEW, 
Edward 1. Devlin, \ ' 

As to C. M. Gere, j ^ ^ ^j,^^ 

A. D. dirchard, \ 

As to Robert N. Torrky, i j^qBERT N. TORREY. 

Andrew Ihompson, ) 

Conclusion. 
The commissioners of New York have prepared to be filed along 
with the evidence of the ratification of the agreement by the two 
States and of its approval by the Congress of the United States 
whenever it shall be received, the following documents, which con- 
stitute permanent and authentic records of the boundary, viz. : 

1. The duplicate original copy of the agreement signed by the 
several commissioners. 

2. The duplicate original books of the surveyors, containing the de- 
scriptions of the locations of the several monuments erected by them 
and of the witness-marks thereto. 

3. The duplicate original report made by the surveyors, contain- 
ing the account of their work in as(;ertaining and marking said line. 

4. The duplicate original topographical map of the boundary 
line and vicinity. 

5. The duplicate original minutes of the commissioners of the 
two States in joint session. 

6. A volume in manuscript, containing a complete record of all 
transactions connected with the work of ascertaining and re-mark- 
ing the boundary line. 

The commissioners have great satisfaction in thus reporting the 
entire completion of the work intrusted to them upon this bound- 
wy. They desire to testify to the admirable spirit of cordiality and 



30 [Senate, No. Y1.] 

harmony with which the commissioners of Pennsylvania have co- 
operated with them in this work. 

There has been entire agreement between the commissioners of 
the two States, not only in relation to the general principles by 
whicli they were to be guided, but also in all their discussions per- 
taining to the details of their work. 

It is believed that the monuments with which the line has been 
marked are of so durable a character, and have been so substantially 
set, that they are not likely to require to be re-set in a very long 
period. 

The imperfect and comparatively perishable monuments set in 
1786 and 1787 have served to preserve the line for nearly a century. 
We may fairly expect that the more substantial and indestructible 
monuments with which it has now been marked will continue for a 
much longer period. Even if the monuments projecting above the 
ground shall be destroyed or moved, it will always be possible, from 
the full and carefully recorded descriptions of the points, and from 
the underground marks which are entirely indestructible, to find 
and verify these points, even after the lapse of centuries. 
Respectfully submitted, 

H. R. PIERSON, 

E. W. LEAVENWORTH, 

C. M. DEPEW, 

Commissiooiers of N'ew York. 



SURYKYOR'S FTML REPORT. 



Sfrvevok's Pkeliminakv Letiek. 

To the Joint Boundary Commission of the [States of J^ew Tork 
and Pennsylvania : 

Gentlemen — 1 Lave tlic honor to submit herewith a final report 
of the operations upon the Boundary hne between Kew York and 
Pennsylvania under your direction. 

In the preparation of this report I have treated of the history of 
the Boundary quite in detail, and of the various surveys by which it 
was established and by which it has been affected, before the com- 
mencement of the work which has just been completed. 

The Parallel and Meridian Boundaries have been taken up sepa- 
rately in the report as they were established at different dates, under 
different authority, and their histories are almost entirely without 
connection. 

The work upon the reconnaissance and upon the final adjustment 
and permanent marking of the line, under your direction, are also 
given quite minutely. 

The preparation of the report has involved a large amount of 
careful investigation, personal and by correspondence, and I have en- 
deavored to present all the proceedings connected with the history of 
this important Boundary with as nearly absolute accuracy as possible. 

Annexed to the report are several appendices, including matters 
intimately connected with the subject-matter of the report itself. 
Among them a.re,Ji7'st, abstracts from the official records which have 
been prepared to be deposited in the proper offices in Albany and 
Harrisburg ; second, abstracts from the field-notes of original sur- 
veys along and adjacent to the Boundary, to which frequent recourse 
was had during the progress of the work under the Joint Commission, 
and to which frequent reference is made in the report and records; 
ikii'd, historical sketches of transactions since the Boundary was estab- 
hshed, which form pendants to the preliminary history of the line. 

Appendices B, C, T>, and E, especially, are intended as digests of 
the official records, which it is important should be published for the 
general information of the public. 

Appendix X contains transcripts of the official maps, upon a re- 
duced scale, showing the locations of all the monuments. 



32 [Senate 

The various laws of botli States relating to the re-snrvey of the 
Bountlaiy under which the Joint Coniniission has been acting are 
embodied in Appendix A. 

Accompanying the report are the following documents, etc., 
which have been prepared in duplicate as the official record of the 
operations of the Joint Commission, to be deposited in the offices of 
the Secretary of State, in Albany, New York, and of the Secretary 
ef Internal Affairs in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania : 

I. A lield-book of the reconnaissance, with memoranda of the 
Tarions monuments. 

II. A " Record of Monuments," classified by counties, giving 
Hiinute descriptions of all the new monuments and their locations, 
with data for their ready identification. 

III. A series of maps, by counties, showing the location of the 
new monuments. 

IV. And a " Diarj' of Operations" from 1877 to the present time. 

I earnestly recommend that extracts from the " Record of Monu- 
ments," and transcripts from the maps, be also filed in the office of 
the county clerk or register of each county, adjoining the Boundary, 
in each State, each extract and transcript not necessarily exhibit- 
ing more of the Boundary tiian is adjacent to the county to which 
it I'elates. These records and maps will then become accessible to 
that portion of the public more immediately interested. 

I would further recommend that the monuments be, by legislative 
act, placed under the official inspection, supervision and care of the 
highw^ay officials of the various towns, upon the boundaries of which 
they stand, with suitable regulations and penalties. 

In closing I must acknowledge the courtesy of innumerable 
gentlemen in various localities in both States, accorded me as the 
representative of the Joint Commission, iaresponding to requests for 
information, and in affording me opportunities of examining field- 
books, maps and other documents ; and it would seem invidious to 
name some without enumerating all of them, which would be almost 
impossible. Several gentlemen, however, residing in localities adja- 
cent to the line, took especial personal interest in our operations, 
spending considerable time upon the line with the party, furnishing 
copies of original field-notes and maps, or loaning valuable papers. 
Among these 1 cannot refrain from referring to Mr. M. R. Hulse 
of Deposit, N. Y., Hon. W. F. Warner of Waverly, K. Y., Z. F. 
Walker, Esq., of Athens, Penn., Robert Kinir, Esq., of Smethport, 
Penn., Hon. O. D. Hinckley of Clymer, N". Y., George Piatt, Esq., 
of Girard, Penn., and W. A. Crosbv, Esq., of Condersport, Penn. 
I must not omit the late Jacob Fatzinger, Jr., of Weaversville, 
Northampton county, Penn., in whose hands Col. Gere and myself 
found George Palmer's surveys made near the Initial Point more 
than a hundred years as^o. Since Mr. Fatzino-er's death his laru^e 
and valuable collection of papers has been deposited with the His- 
torical Society of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. 



No. 71.] 33 

The gentlemen in charge of the land offices of the varions lar^e 
est.ites in western New \oi'k and Pennsylvania have always readily 
complied witi\ every request for information. My correspondence 
during the entire time has been quite extensive, and, with but one or 
two exceptions, it has met with courteous responses. 

Nor can I let this opportunity pass without acknowledging my 
great indebtedness to Connnissioner Gere, who has acted as surveyor 
on the part of Pennsylvania. 

And I have to thank the other gentlemen of the Joint Commis- 
sion for the confidence which has been reposed in me during all 
these years, and for the uniform courtesy with which I have been 
treated. 

It is greatly to be regretted that Col. James Worrall, the chair- 
man of the Joi)it Commission, was not spared to see the completion 
of a work in which he took such an absorbing personal interest. 

The following abstract gives in a general way the contents of the 
report and appendices. 

Respectfully submitted. 

H. W. CLAP.KE, 

Civil Engineer. 
Syracuse, N. Y., 1 December ^ 1885. 

I concur in the accompanying report. 

C. M. GERE. 
Montrose, Peim., 1 December^ 1885. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.J 5 



34 [Senate 

ABSTRACT OF CONTENTS OF REPORT. 

Preliminary. 

Parallel Boundary, 

Early History. Grants to the Duke of York and William Penn. 

Jealousy of the New Yorkers toward, the Proprietaries of Penn- 
sylvania. 

South Boundary of New York. 

Early uiaps exhibiting the Boundary. 

Ambiguity in William Penn's Charter. 

Pennsylvania's claims north of the parallel of forty-two degrees. 

Indian treaty of 1768. 

The Proprietaries ask to have their boundaries fixed. 

Joint action of the Colonies and establishment of the Initial Point. 

Action of the States preliminary to a resumption of the survey. 

Independent surveys for the location of lands. 

Survey of 1786-7. 

Details of operations and incidents in 1786-7. 

Original monuments. 

Confinnation by statute. Error in Revised Statutes of New York. 

Early land surveys adjacent to the Boundary. 

Recent ex pai'te official examinations of portions of the Boundary. 

Joint reconnaissance of 1877-9. 

Astronomical observations by the United States Coast and Geodetic 
Survey; and operations of the New York State Survey. 

Initial Point : Its probable position. 

Condition of the Boundary as developed by the reconnaissance. 

Discussion by the Commissioners of the proper method of adjustment. 

The new monuments and final adjustment: Operations of 1881-4. 

Adjustment. 

Meridian Boundary, 

Preliminary historical sketch. 

Original surveys. 

Original monuments. 

Reconnaissance of 1878. 

Initial monument of 1869. 

Final adjustment ; setting of monuments. 

Appendix. 

A. Laws relating to re-survey of the Boundary. 
AA. Instructions to Messrs. Gere and Clarke. 

B. Schedule cf Monuments, with description of locations. 



No. 71.] 35 

C. Table of Angular Deflections. 

D. Astronomical Stations ; and results of observations. 

E. County and town corners. 

r. !Naines of Commissioners; and persons connected with the 

survey, 1877-1885. 
G. George Palmer's papers and surveys : 

I. Commission as Deputy Surveyor. 
II. Survey of the Delaware river up to the Initial Point. 
III. "Journal up Delaware" in 1784, and notes of sur- 
vey from the Delaware to the Susquehanna. 
ly. Drake and Delong's " Journal up Susquehanna and 
across to Delaware," June, 1784. 
Y. Letter from Surveyor-General Lukens. 
VI. Extracts from field-notes of Wan-ant surveys. 
H. Holland Land Company's surveys : 

I. Description of the marks upon posts and witness trees. 
II. Extracts from Augustus Porter's Field J>ook (No. 2). 
III. Extract from Seth Pease's traverse of the shore of Lake 
Erie. 
IV-IX. Record of surveys of south line of Ranges 1 to 6. 
X. Record of survey of south end of" Willink Strip." 
XI-XVIII. Record of surveys of south line of Ranges 7 to 14. 

XIX. Record of surveys of south and M'est lines of Range 15. 
J. Resurveys of the Keating lands in Pennsylvania. 
K. Representation of New York and Pennsylvania on ancient 

maps. 
L. Disputes with Connecticut and Massachusetts. 

I. The Massachusetts claim against New York. 
11. The Connecticut claim against Pennsylvania. 
III. The " Connecticut Gore " in New York. 
M. Erie Triangle. 
N. Maps of the Boundary line. 

Sketches Illustrating the Report. 

No. 1. Copy of an ancient map showing the Boundary line at 43°. 
No. 2. Ritrenhouse and Holland's sketch of the Initial Point, 1774. 
No. 3. Sketch of George Palmer's survey between the Delaware and 

Susquehanna rivers, 1784. 
No. 4. Relative position of Palmer's line and the present boundary. 
No. 5. Interference of Donation Lands at the west end of the 

Boundar3\ 
No. it. Eighth Latitude Stone. 
No. 7. Delaware river near the Initial Point, 1885. 
No. 8. Irregularities in the Boundary between milestones 135 and 

159. 
No. 9. Initial monument set 1884. 
No. 10. Showing the adjustment of the second section. 
No. 11. Showing the irregularities between milestones 86 and 95. 



36 [Senate, 

No. 12. Showing the irregularities in the vicinity of milestones 115 

and 119. 
No. 13. Showing the angles in the Boundary in the vicinity of the 

Seventh Latitude Stone (milestone 167 ■^). 
No. 11. Showing the adjustment of the Boundary west of milestone 

208. 
No. 15. Adjustment of south end of Meridian Boundary. 
Appendix N contains reduced copies of the official maps, showing the 

locations of all the new monuments. 



JSTo. 71.] 37 



PRELIMINARY. 



The work upon which we liave been engaged for several years 
past undoubtedly grew out of the i-eport submitted by Dr. C. H. 
F. Peters, director of the Litchfield Observatory at Hamilton Col- 
lege, to the Regents of the University in 1806. Dr. Peters, under 
the direction of the Regents, had previously visited several ]ioints in 
the State for the purpose of making astronomical observations for 
latitude and longitude. One of these points was tlie northern ex- 
tremity of the Meridian Roundary, on the shore of Lake Erie in 1865. 
In his report to the Regents giving the results of his observations, 
referring to the original monument which marked the initial point 
of this boundary, he says : 

" This important monument is now in very bad condition. What 
remains of it consists of a sh\b four inches thick, two feet in length, 
and reacliing about one foot above the ground witli its longer faces 
placed parallel to the meridian. The upper portion, which once 
contained the inscription, is evidently cut off by wilful destruction. 
But a greater danger even is threatening these renmants by the 
inroad of the Lake. Squire Mann, who formerly owned the adjacent 
lot, and to whom 1 am indebted for much valuable information 
about the locality, stated that within his recollection the distance 
from the stone to the edge of the bhi:fif upon which it stands, 
was several rods, while now it is only seven feet.* It must be ex- 
pected therefore, that within a few years the site of the stone will 
become a prey of the waves, and it seems desirable that a new and 
durable monument, more inland, be erected to mark the partition be- 
tween the two great States."f 

"In the year 1857, an appro])riation was made by the Legislature 
to the Regents, which was continued and renewed in 1858 ;:j: to de- 
fray the expenses of ascertaining the true meridian of such impor- 
tant locality or localities as the Board should prescribe. 

" In this State, the longitude of only one point, the private ob- 
servatory of Mr, Rutherford, at the corner of Second Avenue and 
Eleventh Street in the city of New York, had been thus deter- 
mined § prior to the year 1857 

" Desirous to bring to the work committed to them the highest 
accuracy and the best practical skill, the Regents accepted a propo- 

*Holland Laud Compauy Surveyors placed a stake in 1798, 39 links north of 
tlie monument. In 1878 tbe Bite of the monument was in the edge of the bluff, 
the monument itself had dropped off. 

■|- Assembly Documents, 1866, No. 161. 

jThe appropriation of 1858, was " for the purpose of continuing the determina- 
tion of longitude " under the law of the preceding year. 

§The method adopted in the Coast Survey determinations is referred to. 



38 [Senate 

sitioa from the Trustees of the Dudley Ohservatory to determine 
the lono^itiide of that Iiistitutioa, it being understood that the work 
should proceed with the aid and under the direction of the Scien- 
tific Council of that Observatory of which Professor Bache, Super- 
inteniieut of the Coast Survey, was a member. * * * 

" The Regents afterwards accepted a proposition from the Trustees 
of Hamilton College, first to detennine the longitude of their 
recently erected Observatory, and then that of several other import- 
ant points in the State. Under these arrangements, the means 
placed at the disposal of the Regents have sufficed to determine the 
loniJ:itude of seven points, to- wit : — Dudley Observatory, Hamilton 
College Observatory, Syracuse, Buffalo, Elmira, Ogdensburgh, and 
the first or most northerly monument on the western Boundary of 
the State 

" Though the Legislature directed the determination of longitudes 
only, the tlegents have also had the corresponding latitudes ascer- 
tained in the case of Syracuse, Buffalo, Ogdensburgh, and the first 
monument of the western boundary. The latitude of each of the 
other stations had been previously ascertained." * 

In a communication to the Legislature 15th April, 1867, referring 
to the report transmitting Dr. Peters' report, the Regents close by 
saying : 

'' During the past year, the Regents have taken some pains to 
ascertain, by correspondence, the condition of the monument origi- 
nally erected at the intersection of the southern and western bound- 
aries of the State, and they are informed that the site of this 
monument is at or near the center of a highway with no visible 
mark to denote its position. It is quite probable that many of the 
milestones and other landmarks originally placed upon the boundar 
ries of the State are becoming obliterated, and the Regents, there- 
fore, suggest the propriety of such an appropriation by the Legis- 
lature as may enable them to ascertain the facts in relation to such 
monuments, and to meet the necessary expenses of collecting such 
historic material as may be needed for the preparation of an account 
of the several boundaries of the State, as before suggested." 

And soon after, the Legislature by resolution of the Senate au- 
thorized the Regents " to c:iuse an examination to be instituted as to 
the condition and true location of the monuments which mark the 
several boundaries of the State, and to ascertain whether any and 
what action may be needed to preserve or renew them ; and also to 
procure and put in form sucli historical information in regard to the 
said boundaries as they may deem to be of interest, at an expense in 
the whole, not to exceed three thousand dollars, and to report their 
proceedings under this resolution to the Legislature.'' 

In pursuance of these instructions the Regents, by correspondence 
carried on throu^ their indefatigable Assistant Secretaiy, the late Dr. 
D. 'J. Pratt, endeavored to ascertain the condition of the monu- 

*X. Y. Senate Doc, 1S62, N"o. 95, p. 5- 



Ko. 71.] 39 

ments along this Boundary, and to obtain, so far as possible, sndi 
notes or documents from public or private sources as -vrould in anv 
manner throw light upon its history or upon the original survers. 
The result of this correspondence is embodied in 3»evr York Senate 
Document Xo. luS (1873). at pages 341, etc The efforts of Dr. 
Pratt to ascertain the condition of the monuments along the line 
were in a great measure futile, the othcials of but one countv, 
Ciiautauqua, taking interest enough in the subject to co-operate 
wi:h the Kegents in the investigation. 

A new granite monument was placed near the northern extremity 
of the Meridian Boundary in 1869, and with this the subject rested 
until the winter of 1875, when the Regents of the ITnivcrsity were 
again charged by chapter 424 of the Laws of 1S75 with the duty of 
"an examination as to the true location of the monuments which 
mark the several boundaries of the State.*' 

The execution of this duty was intrusted by the Board of He^nts 
to a committee consisting of Chancellor J. V. L. Pruyn, Hon. 
Henry R. Pierson. and Professor George R. Perkins. Mr. Perkins 
died soon after, and the vacancy w:is tilled by the appointment of 
Hon. Chauncey M. Depew. Afterward, upon the death of of Chan- 
cellor Pruyn, Greneral E. W. Leavenworth was placed upon the com- 
mission. 

Tlie co-operation of Pennsylvania was obtained through an act of 
the Legislature in lis76, requiring the Governor to appoint a com- 
mission to act in conjunction with the Xew York c-oramission. 
Governor Hartranfi designated as commissioners Colonel James 
Worrall of Harrisbnrg, Colonel C. M. Gere of Montrose, and Cap- 
tain Robert X. Torrey of Honesdale. * 

The two commissions met in Xcw York city in Mav. 1S77, 
and organized as a Joint Commission, with Colonel James Worrall as 
chairman, and the late Dr. Samuel B. Woolworth as secretarv, and 
decided upon a thorough reconnaissance of the Boundary. Early in 
June. I was requested to take charge of the survey on the part of 
Xew York, and upon the 10th of that month the reconnais- 
sance was commenced near the Delaware river, Commissioner Gere 
acting as surveyor on the part of Pennsylvania. This reconnaissance 
or preliminary survey was not completed until October, 1S79. De- 
tailed reports of progress were transmitted to the commissioners, 
and were published in Xew York Assembly Documents No. 49 of 
187"?. No. 91 of 1S79, and No. 100 of 1880, and in the reports of 
the Secretary of Internal Affairs of I^ennsvlvauia for 1877- ^-9 and 
1880. 

Before entering upon the discussion of the Boundary as it was 
found upon the reconnaissance, it is worth while to review the his- 
tory of the establishment of tlie line, and the various early surveys 
connected with it. 

• Colonel Worrall died April 1st, 1SS5. The vacancy caased by his death was not 
filled. 



40 [Senate 



PARALLEL BOUNDARY. 



Eakly History — GiiANTs to the Duke of York and William 

Penn. 

The first grant of lands to the Dake of York in 16G4 covered an 
indefinite amount of territory extending alono^ the ocean from the 
St. Croix river to a certain place called Peniaquid, and from the west 
side of the Connecticut river to the east side of Delaware bay, in- 
chidini^ the " River called Hudson's River," and all the islands lying 
south of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Its extent 
inland was not limited. The inference is that the grant was intended 
to extend westward to the "South Sea" in the same manner as 
granted to the colonies of Massachusetts and Connecticut.* That 
part of the grant included in tlie following words : " Together alsoe 
with the said River called Hudson's River and all the land from the 
west side of Connectecutte River to tlie East side of De la Ware 
Bay," interfered with the previous grants to Massachusetts and Con- 
necticut. These interferences were settled after the Revolution in a 
manner which may be referred to farther on. (See Appendix L.) 

This grant to the Duke of York was confirmed by a new patent, 
29th June, 1064. On the same day the Duke of York released the 
Province (now State) of New Jersey to John Lord Berkeley and Sir 
George Carteret. 

The Charter to William Penn, of the Province of Pennsylvania, 
was granted 4th March 1681, by Charles tlie Second. The boundaries 
are more definitely described than those in the charter to the Duke 
of York and are as follows : 

" All that Tract or parte of land in America with all the Islands 
therein contejmed as the same is bounded on the East by Delaware 
River, from twelve miles distance Northwards of New Castle Towne 
vnto the three and fortieth degree of Northerne Latitude if the said 
River doeth extend soe farre Northwards But if the said River 
shall not extend soe farre Northward, then by the said River soe farr 
as it doth extend and from the head of the said River the Easterne 
Bounds are to boe determined by a Meridian Line to bee drawnefrom 
the head of the said River vnto the said three and fortieth degree. 
The said lands to extend westwards five degrees in longitude to bee 
computed from the said Easterne Bounds and the said lands to bee 
bounded on the North by the beginning of the three and fortieth 

degree of Northern Latitude " 

Although the description of the boundaries of the Province con- 
tained in this charter are quite definite, there is still an apparent am- 

*Tlie King, eighteen years afterward, by his grant to Penn, practically made 
the Delaware river the western limit of the Province of New York. 



Xo. 71.] ttl 

Ingnitj which somewhat confused the ideas of high officials of the 
Province years afterward, as to the real extent of its territory toward 
the north. This discrepancy will be referred to hereafter. 

Tlie Duke of York surrendered any claim he might have over this 
territory by a deed to Penn, 31 August, 1G82. It was a shrewd 
move on the part of Penn to require this quit-claim from the Duke 
of York. His charter being prior to Penn's, and the boundaries 
described therein not being very clear, simply specifying a certain 
frontage upon the ocean, as the grants in those days were generally 
made, his domain might be construed to reach to the "South Sea," 
wliich would have covered all the lands granted to Penn. The Con- 
necticut claim under this construction of its charter was not settled 
until after the Revolution. (See II, Appendix L.) 

Thus more than ninety years before any attempt was made to fix 
the boundary between the Provinces upon the ground, the northern 
boundary of Pennsylvania was defined, and the Duke of York, by 
his release, accepted it as the southern boundary of the Province of 
New York, 

Jealousy of the New Yorkers toward tue Proprietaries of 

Pennsylvania. 

Before the creation of the Province of Pennsylvania, the mer- 
chants and traders of New York had found the wilderness adjacent 
to the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers a prolific source of profit, 
and the separation of so large a portion of it, and the diversion of 
its Indian traffic to a very thrifty rival city, was taken quite to heart 
b}' them; and the shrinkage in the New York trade seems to have 
been likely to affect the ducal revenue, for we find that Sir John 
Werden, secretary to the Duke of York, wrote 10 March, 1684, to 
Governor Dongan, who had been commissioned about six months 
after the patent was issued to Penn, as follows: 

'' The Comm" are unanimous in it, that noe lands beyond the 
bounds of E. and West Jersey (betwixt the Rivers) ought to be sepa- 
rated from yo"" governem' upon any termes, and y* you should use 
great care to hinder M"" Pen and the inhabit'^ of both Jerseys from 
obstructing y^ Peltry trade of New York, and y' in ord"" to y^ you 
should prevent all you can the uniteing of any part of either Jersey 
with M"' Pen (who as you observe) is very intent on his owne inter- 
est in those parts."* 

And again, 27 August following, he writes: " Touching Susque- 
hannah River or lands ab'' it or trade in it, ^v'^^ the Indians convey to 
you or invite you to, we thinke you will doe well to preserve yo"" in- 
terest there as much as possible that soe nothing more may goe away 
to M' Penn or ether New Jersey's. For it is apparent they are ajtt 
enough to stretch their priviledges as well as the people of New 
England liave becne."t 

* N. Y. Col. Hist., iii, 341. t-^^- Y. Col. Hist., iii, 350. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 6 



42 [Senate 

The agents of the Dnke of York seem to have been very appre- 
hensive that Mr. Penn desired to control tlie traffic of the entire 
Susquehanna valley, as well as to get possession of the territory 
which embraced it. The Onondaga and Caynga Indians, whose 
hunting grounds would have been included in the limits of Penn's 
Province, as Governor Hamilton claimed them seventy years after- 
ward, seem to have preferred to remain under the patronage of tiieir 
New York friends. Lu August, 1684, they made the following 
propositions to Governor Effingham, of Virginia, and Governor Don- 
gan, of New York : 

" Wee have putt all our land and our selfs under the Protection of 
the great Dnke of York, the brother of your great Sachim ; we 
have given the Susquehanne River which we wonn with the sword 

to this Government and will not that any of your Penns 

people shall settle upon the Susquehanne River; That 

we do putt the Susquehanne River above the Washinta or falls and 
all the rest of our land under the great Duke of York and to no 
body else. 

" And you great man of Yirginia, meaning the Lord Effingham 
Govern'" of Virginia, We let you know that Great Penn did speak 
to us here in Corlaer's house by his Agents, and desired to buy the 
Susquehanne River, but we would not hearken to him nor come 
under His Government " 

Meanwhile Charles I, who had granted Penn his charter, died, 
and the Duke of York himself became king. The attack on Penn's 
privileges Avas renewed upon recommendation of the Lords of Trade 
in a report to the king dated 15 July, 1685, in which tliey state: 
"• Wee hive also received a Lre from y^ Mayor Aldermen & 
principal Officers of y'' Citty of New York dated y^ IS*^*^ of May 
last setting forth that since yo"" Ma*^^' hath been pleased to p'mit 
Delaware & j" two Jerseys to be separated from y^ Gov™* of New 
York that City hath extreamly suffered by the loss of at least 
one third p*' of its Trade & hath ever since much decayed in 
the number of Inhabitants Rents & Buildings And that yo"" Ma'* 
Revenue doth likewise suffer thereby whereupon wee likewise offer 
o"" opinions that yo"" Ma'^ Attorney Gi'all. may liave directions to con- 
sider the several Grants and Proprietycs of East & West New Jer- 
sey & of Delaware aforemenconed & to enter y^ like writs of Quo 
Warranto against y® respective Proprietors if he shall find cause it 
being of very great & growing prejudice to yo"" Ma'^ affaires in y° 
plantacon & to yo"" Customs here that such independent Govern- 
ments be kept up and maintained w"'out a nearer & more Ime- 
diate Dependance on yo"" Ma'y."f 

The King approved the recommendation and directed the Attor- 

*N. Y. Col. Hist,, iii, 417-8. See, alao, Indian Deeds, Idem, iv. 908-911, and 
V, 800-1. 

f N. Y. Col. Hist., iii, 362. 



No. Tl.] 43 

ney-General to enter the writs, and the next April the Attorney- 
General was further directed to renew the writs and to prosecute 
theni to effect. 

Governor Dongan was re-comtnissioned and, in a long report to 
the Lords of Trade, dated 22 February, 1687, he took up the sub- 
ject of the encroachments of l''enn's agents as follows : 

'' Further if Pensjdvania bee continued as by Charter running 
five degrees to the W estward it will take in the most of the five Na- 
tions that lye to the West ward of Albany, and the whole Beaver & 
Peltry Trade of that Place, the consequence whereof M'ill bee the De- 
population of this Governm* for the people must follow the Trade. 
Those Indians & the people of this Government have been in 
continued peace & amity one with another these tift}^ years. And 
those Indians about forty years agoe did annex their Lands to this 
Goverum* & have ever since constantly renewed the same M'ith 
every Governor that has been here both in the time of the Dutch & 
the English & in particular to myself who have given them largely 
in consideration of their lands. And I am certainly informed, that 
they have declared they will goe and live on y^ other side of the 
lake than bee under any other Goverm'' on this than ours. En 
deavors have been used (tho to noe purpose) to p''suade some of our 
Traders who speak the language to goe and live upon the Susque- 
hanna River tho I cannot find out yet by whom this has been made 

" I cannot beleivc that ever it was the Kings intention to grant 
away soe considerable a part of this government which has l)een so 
long appropriated to it & even the people think it as a part of them- 
selves and would be much troubled at a separation from soe good 
and ancient neighbours that at first of their own free wills became soe 
and have ever since continued with such constancy to desire and 
maintain a mutual friendship and correspondence. If therefore 
his Maf were pleased to have a line run from 4-1 d and 40 m in 
Delaware River to the Falls upon the Susquehanna,* and to let M"" 
Pen keep all below that it would be suliicicnt for him the bounds 
below it being conjectured to contain more than all England besides 
the lower Countys w^hich is near upon 100. miles from the Cape up 
the River ; And in breadth more than thirty miles, as is generally 
beleeved 

" To preserve the Beaver & Peltry Trade for this and Albany, 
and to bee an encouragement to Our Beever Hunters I desire I may 
have order to erect a Campagne Fort upon Delaware in 41 d 40 m ; 
another upon the Susquehanna where his Mat^' shall think fit M' 
Pens bounds shall terminate 

" I setid a Map by M"^ Spragg whereby your Lo'"' may see the sev- 
eral Goverin^* &c how they lye 

" For the Longitude, Latitude, and contents of this Government 
I refer yo"" Lo^* to the afore mentioned Map, wherein you will see in 
what narrow Bounds wee are cooped up 

* Wyaliising Falls (?), Bradford Co., Penn. 



44 [Senate 

" The Land of this Governm* is generally barren rocky land, ex- 
cept the Land wee have right to on the iSusquehanna-Iliver & up 
into the Country amongst our Indians where there are great quanti- 
ties very good " * 

Governor Dongah soon afterward wrote to the King : — " M'' Penn 
hath written that I was to be called home and I doe not doubt but 
would do all hee can to effect it, liaving noe great kindness for race, 
because I did not consent to his having tSusquehannah liiver." f 

Mr. Penn was too enterprising a neighbor for the New York 
peoi^le who had had a monopoly of the Indian trade before his ad- 
vent, and the mayor and common council of the city took up the 
matter and sent a " Immble address" to the King in which they ac- 
knowledge, "late favours in recommending to Yo'' Majcstys Captain 
General of this Province the preservation of all the ancient rights & 
Priviledges of this Yo' Ma*^* Citty in the Management of Trade 
which of late years hath much decreased thro' the impetuous en- 
croachments of Our Neighbours the Inhabitants of East and West 
Jersey, Pensilvania & Conecticut." After complimenting the en- 
deavors of the Governor, they say: "A j^articular Accompt whereof 
your Ma*y will find fully expressed in an address unto Yo'' Ma'^^from 
Your Ma'^^ Captain General & Council of this Your Ma'^''^ Province, 
And alsoe fully delineated in a Mapp which his Ex"*^ hath with much 
labor & charge accomplished to give Your Ma'^ a true information 
of the state of this province to which wee humbly referr Your 
Ma*y and doubt not but that it will bring Your Ma'^^ into the con- 
sideration of the absolute necessity there is that those adjacent parts 
of Connecticut East and West Jersey, Pensilvania, or at least soe far 
of Pensilvania as extends from the Falls of Susquchannah, should be 
united to this Yo"" Ma'^" Province." :j: 

April 7, 16S8, Governor Dongan was superseded by Sir Edmund 
Andros, who was commissioned Captain -General and Governor-in- 
Chief over the British Dominions between the St. Croix river and 
latitude 40^ "our province of Pensilvania and country of Delaware 
only excepted," § This was apparently the only answer to Dongan's 
scheme to annex the SuRquelianna river and northern Pennsylvania, 

Less than a year afterward King James ran away to France, and 
William and Mary reigned in his stead. The agitation against Penn 
was again renewed, and upon 6 August, 1G91, the Governor (now 
Richard Ingoldsby) and Council presented a long address to the new 
sovereigns, in which they say among other things : "These incon- 
veniences of Connecticutt, East and West Jersey are not only preju- 
dicial! to Yo' Maj'y* intrest, but also the pretences of William Penn 
Esq' to the 3 lower Countys on Delaware River and to the Susque- 
hanna River are equally, if not more, injurious to Your Maj'^ and 
particularly in this respect. Susquehanna River is scituate in the 
mldle of the Sinnekes country, which they gave unto Your Maj- 

* N. Y. Col. Hist., iii, 393-4-5-6-7. ^X. Y. Col. Hist., iij, 424-5. 

t K. Y. Col. Hist., iii, 422. § Idem, iii, 543, etc. 



No. 71.] 46 

estj's crowne and hath belonged as an appendix to this Your Maj"^^ 
governm*^ many yeares before M''. Penn had his patient. Notwith- 
standing thereof M'. Penn endevors to disturb Your Majesty in the 
peaceable and quiett possession of the premises ; endeavouring to 
tempt the Indians to sell it again to him, by that means not only to 
dispossess Your Majesty of your antient rights but also to pervert 
and draw away the trade of the Indians to his Province ; which will 
be an irreparable loss to Your Majesty, all the Nations with 
whome Albany hath tlieir trade liveing at the head of the Susque- 
hanna River. So the revenue of 10 p"" Cent, the impost upon pow- 
der, lead, alumn and furrs, quite lost, and if M^ Penn should attain 
his pretences to the Susquehanna River, it will not only destroy the 
best branch of Your Maj"" revenue, but it will likewise depopu- 
late Your Province, the inhabitants of Albany haveing only seated 
them selves there and addicted their minds to the Indian language 
and the misteries of the said trade, with purpose to manage it, that 
if it should be diverted from that channell, they must follow it, 
haveing no otlier way or art to gett a livelyhood."* A dire calamity 
to befall the future Capital. Further on they say, " by all which 
Your Majesty may perceive that the pretences of M^ Penn to the 
Susquehanna River are very injurious to Your Maj"*^* right and 
revenue ; so that some care must betaken if Your Maj'^ sees cause he 
shall remain a distinct governm^ that his line doth encroach upon Your 
Majesties right noe farther upon the Susquehanna River than the 
fall thereof; otherwise its scituatiou being so near the Sinnekes In- 
dians, if planted by them, must of necessity divert the whole trade 
of Albany 

" The premises considered we humbly presume and represent unto 
Your ]\[ost Sacred Majesty that there cann be no thing in America 
more conducive to Yo"" Maj''''^ dignity and advantage and for the 
safety of Yo"' Maj^'®* subjects upon this continent then that Con- 
necticut, East and West Jersey, Pennsilvania and 3 Lower Countys 
be re-annexed to this Yo"" Maj*^'" Province which then will be a gov- 
ern m' of sufficient extent." f 

That such representations as these seem to have had some weight 
in the mind of William III, is shown by the fact that 21 October, 
1692, Benjamin Fletcher, who had already been commissioned Gov 
ernor of New York, was constituted Governor-in-ciiief of " Pensil- 
vania and Countrey of New Castle and all the Territories and 
Tracts of Land depending in America."';}: This appointment was 
upon the petition of Penn revoked 20 August, 1694. 

South Boundary of the Province of New York. 

Not until 1738, do we find the parallel described in Penn's Char- 
ter as the northern boundary of Pennsylvania, mentioned as the 

* X. Y. Col. Hist., iii, 798. JN. Y. Col. Hist., iii, 861. 

fN. Y. Col. Hist., iii, 799. 



46 [Senate 

southern boundary of New York.* Cadwallader Golden, Surve^^or- 
General, in a report to Lieutenant-Governor George Clarke, in 
answer to queries of the Lords of Trade, gives the boundaries of the 
Province as follows : 

" From the 41^* degree of Latitude on Hudson's River, it runs 
northwesterly to 41 degrees & 40 niin of Latitude on the most 
nortlicrly Branch of Delaware River, which falls near Cashiektunk, 
an Indian Settlement on a Branch of tliat lliver call'd tlie Fish kill. 

" Thence it runs up that Brancli of Delaware River till the 42'^ de- 
gree of Latitude be compleated or to the Beginning of the 43*^ de- 
gree, Pensylvania stretching along the west side of Delaw^are River, 
60 far northward as to this parallel of Latitude. From the Begin- 
ning of the 43*^ degree New York runs westerly, on a Parallel of 
Latitude, along the Bounds of Pensylvania to Lake Erie, or so far 
west as to comprehend the Country of the Five Nations 

" The Boundaries between New York Province & the Provinces 
of New Jersey & Pensylvania ai-e so well Described, in the Grants 
to tlie Proprietors of New Jersey & Pensylvania, that by deter- 
mining the proper Parallels of Latitude on Hudson & Delaware 
Rivers, the Boundaries between them may at any time be fixed with 
sutheient certainty. But as this has not hitherto been actually done, 
Disputes now in several parts subsist, between the Proprietors of 
the lands near the line, which is supposed to run between New York 
& New Jersey, from Hudson's River to Delaware River. And it is 
probable the like Disputes will happen, between the Inhabitants of 
the Provinces of New York iSc Pensylvania, when the lands near the 
line Dividing them shall be settled." f 

Governor George Clinton, in a report to the Board of Trade, 23 
of May, 1749, describes the boundary of the Province of New 
York thus : 

" '2nd. The province of New York is bounded by Fludson's River 
on the West from the mouth of the said River to the latitude of 41 
Degrees on that River, and then by a line running from thence to 
the latitude of 40 Degrees ^ 40 Minutes on Delaware River, Hud- 
son's River and the aforesaid line being the boundaries between this 
Province & New Jersey from 41 Degrees 40 Minutes of latitude on 
Delaware to the beginning of the 43 Degrees, or to 42 Degrees com- 
pleat. Oti the same River is the boundary between it & Pensyl- 
vania & from 42 Degrees compleat a parallel of Latitude divides it 
from Pensylvania as far as Pensylvania extends, or to the claims 
of the French of Louisiana. To the westward from hence & to 
the Northward no Boundaries setled between us and the French, & 
most probably will be determined by occupancy or Force. To the 

* The Lords of Trade and Plantations in an elaborate Representation to the 
King (George I) in 1721, in which among other things, the boundaries of each 
Colony are described in detail, bound New York. " Southwest by the province 
of Ni'w Jersey, Northwest by Delaware river." (N. Y. Col. Hist., v, COO.) 

f N. Y. Doc. Hist. (4°) iv, 114-15 (From Oolden's MS.). The document as trans- 
mitted to the Lords of Trade is given in N. Y. Col. Hist., vi, 121, etc. 



No. 71. J 47 

Eastward it is bounded by the New England Governm" of New 
Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay and Connecticut to the sound be- 
tween the Main and Long Island, find to the Southward it is 
bounded by the Atlantick Ocean including Long Island. The Divid- 
ing line from Hudson's River to Delaware is Disputed by the Pro- 
prietors of the Lands on each side of it. The occasion of the Dis- 
pute, so far as I understand it, arises only from private Interest in 
which his Maj* interest is little concerned any farther than that Jus- 
tice be done : the Boundary between this Province & Pensylvania 
is not ascertained upon the land, & this ought to be done to prevent 
disputes & Encroachments on his Majesty's Lands."* 

Douglass, a historian of North America of about the same period 
(1751-5), in describing the boundaries of the Province says : "Its 
W. line runs up Cataraqui river, and lake called generally lake 
Ontario, and terminates on lake Erie in north lat. 42 d. 
complete. From Oswego upon lake Ontario may be reck- 
oned the widtli of the government of New York, 220 miles, viz, 
due W.f from the lake 200 miles to Albany on Hudson's river, and 
from Albany 20 miles due W.f to to the west line of Massachusetts- 
Bay province. 

" The southern line of the province of New-York is in several 
directions or flexures. 1. From lake Erie along the north or head- 
line of Pensylvania in lat. 42. to Delaware river. 2. Thence 20 
miles down said river to the north divisional point of New- York 
and New-Jersies on said river in lat. 41 d. 40 m. 3. Thence in a 
streight line E. 42 d. S. to 41 d. lat. on Hudson's river." ^ 

He had previously remarked§ " Some of the New York Politi- 
cians say, that Their Line with Penn- 
sylvania is limited by Delaware River, and the Parallel of 43 D. 
N. Lat." The New York politicians of those ancient days must 
most certainly Jiave been more modest and self-sacrificing than their 
modern prototypes, to so readily waive their title to so broad a belt 
of the present territory of the State ! 

Early Maps Exhibiting the Boundary. 

These moderate New York politicians may have studied " a Map of 
the British and French Dominions in North America, with the Roads, 
Distances, Limits,and Extent of the Settlements, by D'^Jn". Mitcliell,''|i 
printed at Amsterdam [1755]. This is a large map of eastern 
America, compiled with considerable detail, and apparently carefully 
engraved. Upon the copy of the map in the New York State 
Library, the various Provinces are each tinted separately. The topo- 
graphical features are quite correctly laid down ; much more so than 
upon most of the maps of that early day. 

* N. Y. Col. Hist., vi, 508. t Hist, of N. Amer., ii, 230. 

t [Sic] Should be E. S Idem, i. 16. 

1 A sketch of Dr. John Mitchell may be found in N, Y. Col. Hist., viii, 437. 



48 [Senate 

Upon tliis map the northern line of Pennsylvania is a meridian 
line from the head of the Delaware river north to the parallel of 
forty-three degrees, which it follows west a distance of five degrees 
of longitude, passing through the south end of Lake Genentaha (Onon- 
daga) and the outlet of Lake Erie. These boundaries include the 
whole of the Susquehanna river within the Province of Pennsyl- 
vania. This is undoubtedly the map referred to by Governor Tryon 
in his report upon the state and condition of the Province, dated 
11 June, 1774:, in which he describes the boundaries of 'New 

York, " On the West Thence the Line established 

between New York and New Jersey to Delaware River, Thence 
the River Delaware to the North East Corner of Pensylvania or 
the Beginning of the Latitude 43, which in Mitchel's Map is by mis- 
take carried thro' the whole of that degree — Thence the North 
Boundary Line of Pensylvania to the Northwest Corner of that 
Province ; and continuing the same line to a point in Lake Erie."* 

A French transcript from this map was published in Paris in 1777. 
Lewis Evans' map of 1749, which is also comparatively correctly 
drawn, exhibits the northern boundary of Pennsylvania, as following 
the parallel of forty-two degrees. An inspection of the maps of this 
section of the British Provinces pubhshed at various dates previous 
to the Revolution develops the fact that most of the map-makers of 
the period were inclined to Penn's liberal construction of his 
charter, placing the northern boundary where it would include the 
entire Susquehanna valley. A list of many maps examined is given 
in appendix K. Sketch No. 1 is a copy of part of one of these, 
printed in full in volume viii of the New York Colonial History. It 
is annexed to the report and representation of the Board of Trade 
upon the state of Indian affairs, 7 March, 17G8, exhibiting the 
boundary between the Colonists and the Indians, which had been 
agreed upon south of " Owege," on the Susquehanna river. 

Some of these maps are fine specimens of cartography, being very 
clearly engraved and printed ; and although the topography is very 
much distorted in some sections, a person can obtain from them a very 
good idea of the geography of the country in those early days. 

Ambiguity in William Penn's Charter. 

In this connection I will refer to the apparent ambiguity in the 
description of the boundaries of the Province of Pennsylvania in 
the original charter. The eastern boundary is fixed in the Delaware 
river as fiir northward as the " three and fortieth degree of North- 
erne Latitude,'' o? if the river should not extend far enough north 
» the eastern bounds were to be determined by a meridian drawn from 
the head of the river to the " said three and fortieth degree." But in 
describing the limit of the Province on the north, ''the said lands to 
bee bounded on the north, by the beginning of the three and fortieth 
degree." The apparent ambiguity arises from a possible misappre- 

* N. Y. Col. Hist., viii, 438. 



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No. Tl.] 49 

hension of the intent of the scribe in tlie use of the expression 
" three and fortieth degree." The " three and fortieth degree" un- 
doubtedly inchides the space between the forty -second and forty- 
third parallels, and the plirases " to the three and fortieth degree " 
and " to the beginning of the tlu-ee and fortieth degree " — were 
probably intended to be synonymous, and to mean '' to the forty- 
second parallel."* That Lieutenant-Governor Hamilton of Pennsyl- 
vania did not thus construe the meaning of the scribe, is evident 
from his letter quoted fartlier on. He apjDarently considered the 
"three and fortieth degree" to mean the " forty -third parallel." 
Dr. Mitchell, the author of the map described above, evidently con- 
strued it thus, and in laying down the northern boundary, ignored 
the subsequent phrase M'hich bounded tlie Province on the noith by 
the " beginning of the three and fortieth degree." Tlie fact that 
the head of the Delaware river is considerably north of the forty- 
second parallel may have helped in the misconstruction of the lan- 
guage of the grant. Surveyor-General Golden in his report quoted 
above, did not intend to be misconstrued when he said " till the 42* 
degree of Latitude be compleated or to the Beginning of tlie 43'' de- 
gree." The claim of lands north of the "beginning of the forty- 
third degree" was undoubtedly an outgrowth from the dispute be- 
tween Penn and Lord Baltimore over the south boundary of the 
Province, which is described in the charter thus: — "And on the 
South, by a Circle drawne at twelve miles distance from New Castle 
Northwai-d and Westwards vnto the beginning of the fortieth degree 
of Noriherne Latitude and then by a streight Line westwards to the 
Limitt of Longitude al)ove menconed." Here the King's limited 
knowledge of the geography of the country is especially displayed, as 
a circle drawn twelve miles from New Castle would not reach within 
half a degree of the " beginning of the fortieth degree." Beside 
this. Lord Baltimore's grant included the entire "fortieth degree" 
which would include tlie city of Philadelphia. This dispute over 
the interference of the grants was finally settled in 1732, by the re- 
lease of the present State of Delaware to Penn by Lord Baltimore, 
and fixing the" streight line westwards " not upon the " beginning of 
the fortieth degree," but upon a.parallel fifteen miles south of the 
City of Philadelphia, nearly three-fourths of a degree farther north. 
The.se lines were afterward run and made permanent in 1767, and 
were thenceforth known as " Mason and Dixon's Line " from the 
names of the surveyors. By this compromise the Proprietaries, 
while they lost a very material portion of the grant in area, gained 
what was more desirable, an extended water frontage.f 

* The representation of the Lords of Trade, referred to in a previous note, states 

the boundaries of Pennsylvania thus " the river Delaware on the 

east, unto 43 Degrees of Northern Latitude, & from thence a Meredian line run 
westward, whicli is to extend 5 Dei^rees in longitude." (N. Y. Col. Hist., v. 603.) 

f III the deed of the final purchase from the Indians, of lands within the diarter 
limits, in 1784, the north line, from the north-west corner, is described as " a due 
east line, separating the forty-second and forty-third degrees of north latitude." 
(Smith's Laws, ii, 123.) 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 7 



50 [Senate 

Pennsylvania Claims North ok the Parallel of Forty-two 

Degrees. 

As early as 1751, it seemed desirable to settle the boundary be- 
tween the Provinces, as we see from the letter of Governor Clinton 
to the Lords of Trade, 5 November, 1751:^ 

" As it is expected, that the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania may 
make application for an order, to put a stop to any a^rants of lands 
in this Province to the Northward boundary of Pennsylvania, I 
have thought it proper to enclose a copy of the Lieut* Gover' of 
Pennsylvania's letter to me on that subject, together with the opinion 
of the Council of this Province thereon. 

'' I shall only add, that there is a large Tract of vacant Land in 
this Province to the Northward of Pennsylvania, and that any order 
to stop the grant thereof (till that Northern boundary l)e "fixed) 
may be a prejudice to the peopling and cultivating of this Province, 
ami likewise a prejudice to His Maj'^''* Kevenue, by his Quit rents, 
unless care l)e taken at the same time that the necessary ex pence be 
])rovided for ascertaining of that line without delay."* 

The " Lieut* Gover'' of Pennsylvania's letter" referred to, is dated 
13 September, 1751. Governor James Hamilton sa3's : 

" What I am now about to represent to your Excell'^', will I hope 
be considered as my indispensible duty to the Proprietaries of this 
Province, whose interests, if my information be true, may be very 
much affected, by the proceedings of Coll: Johnson and some other 
Gentlemen in your Govern*, who I am told have obtained a warrant 
for laying out a very large tract of Land, more than one hundred 
thousand acres, on the East branch of Susquehannah River, to ad- 
join the line of this Province. Now, as the Northern boundary of 
Pennsilvania is not yet fixed, those Gentlemen for want of due 
informiition, may probably by virtue of this Warrant, survey lands 
within our Province, which may hereafter occasion disputes, between 
us, especially if settlements should be made upon tlieuL With a 
view thei'efore of avoiding every thing of that kind, I should be 
much obliged to your Excell'"^', to signify to the Gentlemen concerned 
in this Grant, that I w^ill advise the Proprietaries of it, by the next 
conveyance, that if they please they may take immediate measures 
for settling their Northern boundary with the Crown. Such a step 
which it is the Proprietaries interest to take, will put the boundary 
• out of dispute, and then these Gentlemen or any others concerned 
in grants of land, will be under no difficulty where to locate their 
Warrants, but till that be done, it ajjpears to me, they will run a 
great risk in their locations. 

" As a testimony of my regard for those Gent", and for their 
future information, I beg leave to accjuaint your Excell'^^', that the 
Province of Pennsylvania, by the Poyal Patent, is to contain all the 
lands within five degrees of AVest Longitude, from the River 
Delaware, which is the Eastern boundary thereof ; and throe degrees 

~ * New York Col. Hist. vi. 747. 



No. 71.J 51 

of Latitude, beginning at a circle drawn at twelve miles distance, 
Northward and Westward, from tlie Town of Newcastle, and to be 
bounded by that circle, till it intersects a line running due West 
from the Town of Newcastle, and by that Hue continued due West to 
the limits of Longitude above mentioned, which part of the said cir- 
cle and due west line, is to be the south boundarj^ of the said prov- 
ince, so that it is of little import in what degree of latitude that 
part of the said circle and West line fall, nor what is supposed to l)e 
in the patent, since Newcastle is a certain determined point or sta- 
tion given and fixed in the patent, from whence and not from any 
imaginary point or line in the heavens, the three degrees of latitude 
are to be measured. If these Gentlemen therefore will consider 
how far three degrees of latitude to be measured from Newcastle 
will extend (perhaps not short of the latitude of Albany) they will 
be the better able to judge how to keep their survey clear of this 
province. 

" I hav^e not gone into this account of the Bounds of Pennsylvania 
with any design to begin a dispute, but merely with a view to ap- 
prise your ExcelP^', and the Warrantees, of the light in which the 
boundaries of this Province arc considered here. And that in my 
opinion it would be for the interest of the parties, that our proprie- 
taries should first be made acquainted with their Grant, before they 
put themselves to any considerable expence about it, in order that 
they may take measures with the Crown, to ascertain their Northern 
boundary. But if the lands should be actually located, and there 
should be reason to think any part of the survey comes within the 
line of this Province, I hope your ExcelP^' for prevention of any 
future disputes, will permit the Agents of the Proprietaries of Penn- 
sylvania residing here, to lodge a Caveat in your Land Office, against 
the acceptance of such survey."* 

This letter was drawn out by the following " Extract from a Let- 
ter of lames Alexander, Esq'', to M'' Richard Peters," Penn's 
Secretary of the Land Office. 

"A Lycence to purchase of the Indians one hundred and thirty 
thousand Acres on the east Branch of Sasquehanah Uiv^er, down to 
the Line of Pennsylvania, is granted here to Colonel William lohn- 
son and Company, and I hear its to be surveyed in Se])tember next. 
It might prevent Dis])utes hereafter if that Line could be settled be- 
fore any Grants were made on it, at least before any Settlements 
upon it. I understand that the Delancy Family are the Company 
of Coil. lohnson, which Family are the chief Supporters of the 
Disturbances concerning the Line of New York and New lersey, 
which will now cost much troubl charge and expence to have set- 
tled, whereas before any Grants or Settlements had been made near 
it in New York, it might have been done M'ith small charge — I 
submit it to you whether it may not be proper in behalf of your 
Proprietaries to memorial our Governor for the settling that line ; 

* New York, Col. Hist. vl. 748-9. 



52 [Senatb 

And in the mean time that all Purchases and Grants that can pofsibly 
intertere with it be stayed. I would not have you mention my 
name in this affair." * 

Governor Hamilton,* the day after he wrote the letter to Governor 
Clinton, addressed a long communication to Thomas Penn, one of 
the Proprietaries, upon various subjects, in which this matter is 
referred to in the final paragraph, as follows: 

"Upon Mr. x^lcxanders accquainting M'. Peters that Coll. John- 
fon and the Delanceys had obtained a licence from the New York 
Government to purchafe from the Indians a large Tract of Land 
lying on the East Branch of Sasquehannah, to adjoin tlie North 
Bounds of this Province, which was intended to be sui'vey'd this 
Fall, and expressing his apprehenfion that it may in time occasion 
disputes between the two provinces: I have written to M''. Clinton 
to apprife him of the Bounds of Pennsylv^, and to put him and the 
Warratitees upon their guard not to make encroachments upon thif 
Province telling him that in my opinion it M^ould be better those 
Gentlemen should defer the location of their Warrants, till you were 
acquainted with the Grant, and had an Opportunity given you of 
concerting meafnres to fettle your North Bounds with the Crown. 
What Regard JVP. Clinton Avill pay to my letter I know not. But 
I have defircd of him that (in cafe thofe Gentlemen should have 
located their Warrants) your Agents here may have the liberty to 
lodge a Caveat in the New York Land Office against the Accept- 
ance of such Survey, as by a Copy of my letter now fent you will 
see. M"". Alexanderf has acted a very friendly part by you in this 
affair but desires not to have his Name mentioned upon the 
Occafion.":}: 

And about the same time (September, 1751), Governor Hamilton, 
in response to the circular of the Lords of Trade, thus modestly 
claimed the Province of Pennsylvania as " bounded on the north by 
the Province of New Y^ork and a part of Lake Ontario * * * 
on the west by a small part of said Lake Ontario, the Straits of 
Nia^-ara,' Lake Erie, and the Country now possessed by the Six 
Nation Indians." 

Governor Hamilton's letter being submitted to the New York 
Council at its session u]ion 30th Se|)tember, 1751, by Governor 
Clinton, it was "referred to a Committee of the Council or aiiy 
three uf them and that they make Report thereon as soon as con- 
veniently may be." § The committee reported as follows : 

" j\la>j it 2>lease Yotcr Excellency : 

" In Obedience to your Excellency's Order in Council the 30"" 
September last, referring to a Committee, A Letter then communi- 

* P»^nn~MSS.. v. m. " 

■)■ I lines Alexander had been Surveyor-General of East Jersey, and afterward of 
the Provinces of New Jersey and New York and Attorney-Ueneral of New York. 
He was early identified with the settlement of the boundary between these 
Provinces. He was the father of General Lord Sterling of the army of the Revo- 
lution. 

JPenn. MSS., v, 173. g N. Y. Council Min..xxi, 461. 



No. 71.] 53 ■ 

cated to the Council By your Excellency from Governour Hamilton 
of the 13th Ultimo, respecting the Boundaries of the Province of 
Pensylvania, the Committee have duly weiglied and considered the 
same. And upon Examining the Record of the Letters patent 
granted by King Charles the Second, in the thirty-third year of his 
Keign to William Penn EsqJ" for the Province of Pensylvania, 
do find the Lands therein granted, to be bounded on the North by 
the beginning of the three and fortieth Degree of Northern Lati- 
tude, And therefore the Committee are humbly of Opinion Your 
Excellency may grant any Lands to the Northward of that Boundary : 
Otherwise it may be a hindrance to the Settlement of this Province, 
and Prejudicial to His Majesty's Revenue, arising from the Quit 
Rents. 

" By Order of the Committee, 

" October y"', 1751. Edward Holland, Chairman^* 

A copy of this report was immediately transmitted by Governor 
Clinton to Governor Hamilton in tlie following words : " J have 
communicated your Favour, of 13"'. of last Month, to the Gentle- 
men of His Majesty's Council, as you will perceive by the enclofed 
Copy of a Minute of that Board, by which you will obferve that it 
is their Opinions that the Northern Boundary of your Colony is 
■fixed by the beginning of the 43'^ Degree of Latitude, and no ways 
depending on your Southern Boundary, or on any Agreement en- 
ter'd into between the 1 Proprietaries of Pennsylvania and Lord Bal- 
timore. 

" Jt is thought, that the Facts must have been misrej)resented, 
that could induce your Honour to fix the Beginning ofthe 43^* De- 
gree near Albany : and J assure you S"", that J shall take all particu- 
lar care that no Lands maybe located to the Southward ofthe North- 
ern P>oundaries of Pensylvania." f 

Richard Peters addressed the following note to Thomas Penn upon 
the subject, over the date of 12 June, 1752. 

•' Mr. Alexander's Letter wc'' I have copied will shew you what 
sad distracted work the People of New York are likely to make in 
the construction of their Boundaries, and that Admiral Warren and 
the Delancy Family are concerned in the Warrants tho not named 
and that on account of the uncertainty of the Crowns Construction 
of the Bounds of New York it is thought proper to drop the Su)-- 
vey here and to apply imcdiately to the Crown for the Grant wc'' 
however may be ask'' for Lands comprized within certain metes so 
that J shou'' think y"" Caveat shou'^ be enter*' by youv agent in the 
proper office at Westminster. 

"The Capt" is come to a determination of going in his Vefsel 
w^'' obliges me to close & to refer you to my next by Messard or 
Shirley who sail next week." :}; 

That tlie authorities of New York continued to be apprehensive 
that the Proprietaries still entertained the idea of claiming beyond 

■"■ Pfiin. MSS., V, 181. t Idem, v, 185. j:Idem. v, 2;]9. 



54 [Senate 

the " beginning of tlie forty-third degree," is appai-ent f roui the fol- 
lowing extracts fro;n the minutes of the New York Council, 11 
March 1755. 

"His Honour communicated a Letter from Governor Morris of 
the 6"" Instant (Pensilvania) desiring the countenance of this Gov- 
ernment in respect to a meeting of the Six Nations of Indians at 
CoP Johnson's House this Spring, where M"" Morris proposes to 
treat with them by Commissioners, and to purcliase of them in be- 
half of the Proprietors of that Province, All tlie Lands within the 
same, as bounded in the royal Charter. And desiring that John 
Lydius who has lately made a Purchase of Lands within tliat Gos-- 
ernment, in behalf of some People of Connecticut,* may be ])rose- 
cuted for the same. The Charges whereof he will defray. 

" As to the first Point, the Council were of Opinion his Honour 
might signify to Governor Morris his Consent to the propos'd Meet- 
ing, Provided that at such Meeting no Lands be purchased in behalf 
of M'. Penn, to the Northward of the Beginning of the 4:S^ Degree 
of Northern Latitude, which is esteemed to be the Southern 
Boundary of this Province in that Part, and the Northern Boundary 
of Pensylvania. 

" As to the second Point. The Council were of Oijinion, as the 
Charge against the said John Lydius is general, this Board cannot 
order a Prosecution against him by the Attorney General, hut that 
the Government of Pensylvania, might be at Liberty to commence 
and carry on a Prosecution against him in the King's Namc^'f 

And also the minutes of 27 March, 1755 : 

"The Governor communicated a Letter of the 25"' Instant from 
Governor Morris, touching the Purchase he proposes to make of the 
Indians in Behalf of Mr. Penn, of the Lands included witiiin the 
Grant of the Crown ; In which M"" Morris says 'that in Case they 
can agree with the Indians, he proposes to take the Grant in the 
express Words of M^ Penn's Charter, and against this he conceives 
this Government can have no Objection, since this Province, will be 
after any such Indian Purchase, in the very same Circumstances it 
is now, as to the Interpretation of the Extent of the King's Grant, 
for tho' they differ widely in this Point, yet the Claim of this 
Province will not be at all affected, if tlie Indian Boundaries be the 
very same with those described in the Royal Charter.' 

" The Council adhere to their former Opinion on this Matter, 
entered in the Minutes on the 12"' Instant, and advise his Hon', to 
send a Copy thereof to Col°. William Johnson, and to signify to 
him, it is the Opinion of this Board, that he do his utmost to pre- 
vent any Purchase being made of the Indians, otherways than may 
be expressly conformable to their said Former Opinion.":]: 

* Susquehanna Company's Purchase. See II, Appendix L. Lydius does not ap- 
pear iu the subsequent controversy between Pennsylvania and Connecticut, ex- 
cept as a witness before the Council at Trenton, to identify the Indian deed of 
1754, which he had an agency in procuring. 

f N. Y. Council Min., xxv, 4. :j: N. Y. Council Min., xxv, 11. 



No. 71.1 55 

Governor Hojt in his " Syllabus of the Controversy between 
Connecticut and Pennsylvania" says (page 40): 

" Perhaps it was not altogether ' ignorance ' of bounds that moved 
onr wortliy predecessors. In the course suggested to ' get rid ' of 
the deed of 1754 to the Susquehanna Company, under date of July 
2, 1755, Thomas Penn writes to Governor Morris, ' When a pui-- 
chase' (from the Indians) 'is made, I would not have it in words 
too particular, but to extend to the Northern Boundary of Penn- 
sylvania without any mention of a degree ' ' I had 

rather avoid niaking the Government of New York privy to it, as 
they expect we shall confine our purchase to the forty-second degree, 
whereas we shall certainly expect three degrees.' " 

Indian Treaty of 1768. 

In June, 1754, delegates from several of the Colonies assembled 
at Albany to consider a plan of union, and to make a treaty with 
the Six Nations. By this treaty the Indians ceded to the Proprietaries 
of Pennsylvania all the land west of the Susquehanna river south 
of a line extending from a point opposite the site of Sunbury, 
north-west to the western boundary of the Province. This line, 
drawn upon the map, intersects the present north line of Pennsyl- 
vania near the north-west corner of McKean county, and would 
strike the western boundary of the Province, as it was claimed to 
the •' forty-third degree,"' north of Lake Erie. 

After the treaty, when the Indians had discovered the true pur- 
port of the deed Ijy which their chiefs had conveyed away a large 
territory which they still wished to hold, they became very much 
dissatisfied, and their discontent was taken advantage of by the 
Freiich, and this was one of the causes of the desertion of some of 
the tribes to the French, one of the consequences of which was the 
fatal defeat of Braddock. 

In October, 1758, a new treaty was made at Easton by which the 
Proprietaries relinquished all claims to the lands covered by the 
deed of 1754, lying north-west of the "Alleghany or Appalachian 
hills." * The territory thus surrendered included the site of Fort 
DuQuesne and other desirable spots upon which the whites looked 
with longing eyes. Fort DuQuesne w^as soon after captured by tlie 
British, and the influence of theFrench with the Indian tribes south 
of the lakes began rapidly to wane. Notwithstanding the surrendci- 
of the lands west of the Alleghanies by the Proprietaries, white set- 
tlers continued to encroach upon the hunting grounds of the Indians, 
particularly after the peace of 17ti3. Proclamations were fulmi- 
nated against them, and early in Febi-uary, 170S, an act was passed 
by the Legislature of Pennsylvania prescribing the penalty of death 
to such squatters as failed to remove from the coveted territory 
within a certain time. 

But proclamations and edicts were of no avail, and tlie disputes 

* Smith's Laws (of Penn.) ii, 121-2. 



56 [Senate 

between the whites and Indians as to the proper boundary or limit 
between thetn had become so frequent that a general treaty wae 
made in 1768, in which a new boundary was fixed, reaching from 
the Mississippi to Lake Ontario. 

By the minutes of the New York Council, 9th of September, it 
was apparently expected that the claims of the Proprietaries to lands 
within the "forty-third degree" would be asserted anew. 

" His Excellency was pleased to observe to the Board that M^ 
Penn Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Pensilvania 
was expected in this City, in his "Way to the Congress soon to 
be held with the Indians for the Settlement of a Boundary Line 
between tliem and His Majesty's Colonies ; and that M"". Penn he 
was informed, intends at this General Meeting of the Indians, to 
purchase of them, in Behalf and at the Expence of the Proprieta- 
ries of that ProN'ince such part of the Lands to be ceded by the In- 
dians, as may fall within the Province of Pensilvania which M'' 
Penn supposes doth extend Northward so far as to include the forty 
third Degree of Northern Latitude, whereas the Northern liimits of 
that Province are by the Charter expressly confined to the Begin- 
ning of the forty third Deg'-ee, and if extended to the End of the 
said Degree of Northern Latitude, would not only greatly contract 
the Limits of this Province, but by breaking in upon many Ancient 
and valuable Settlements under this Government, be productive of 
great Dissatisfaction and Uneasiness among the Possessors of the 
Soil. 

" The liecord of the Charter or Letters Patent from King Charles 
the Second in the thirty third Year of his Reign to William Penn 
Esq^ for the Province of Pensilvania, was then Read 

" llis Excellency having required the Advice of the Board there- 
upon : and the Council being of Opinion that such Purchase if 
effected, may greatly prejudice the Rights of the Crown ; therefore 
unanimously advise his Excellency to apprize Sir "William Johnson 
of the Information he Las received, and stronglj' to recommend it k) 
him, as his Majesty s Superintendent of Indian Aifairs, to interpose 
and prevent, if attempted, the Purchaseing of any Lands in behalf of 
the Proprietaries of the province of Pensilvania, to the Northward 
of the Beginning of the three and fortieth Degree of Northern 
Latitude, tlie utmost Extent of that Province: until his Majestys 
pleasure shall be known." * 

The •' Treaty " or convention was held at Fort Stanwix in Octo- 
ber and November in that year. Governor John Penn (grandson of 
William) was present during the preliminary negotiations, but before 
the formal opening of the " Treaty " he was obliged by the " affairs 
of his Province to set off for Philadelphia, leaving behind him as 
Commissioners Messrs. Peters and Tilghman.'" The King and Colo- 
nists were represented by Sir William Johnsi^on, Superintendent of 

*N. Y. Council Min., xxvi, 128. 



No. 71.] 57 

Indian Affairs, Governor William Franklin, and Chief Justice 
Frederick Smith of New Jersey, Commissioner Thomas Walker of 
Virginia, and Richard Peters and James Tilghman from Pennsyl- 
vania. Eight Indian tribes (including the Six Nations) were present 
in large numbers. Many belts of wampum were passed, and doubt- 
less much tobacco was smoked, in the prolonged negotiations between 
the representatives of the two races. The boundary line had already 
been practically agreed upon by the treaty of 1765, through Penn- 
sylvania to a point called •' Oswegy " (Owegy) upon the Susquehanna 
river, which from the imperfect geographical knowledge of the 
period was supposed to be at the northern limit of Penn's Province. 
Beyond this point through New York the direction in which the 
line should be run seems to have occasioned the greatest discussion. 
The question was finally satisfactorily settled and a deed was made 
and signed the fifth day of November by a representative from each 
of the Six Nations, fixing and describing the line and granting the 
land east of it to King George the Third. Penn's claim to land« 
north of the " beginning of the forty-third degree " seems not to 
have been asserted as was anticipated by the New York Council. 

The boundary thus agreed upon is described in the deed, " begin- 
ning at the Mouth of Cherokee or Hogohege River, 

to a Creek called Awandae, thence down the same to the East 
Branch of Susquehanna and across. the same and up the east side of 
that River to Oswcgy,t from thence East to Delawar River and up 
that River to opposite where Tianaderha falls into Susquehanna thence 
to Tianaderha " ;{: 

This line is known in the history of New York as the '* l^iuc of 
Property;" especially that portion which reached from the Delaware 
to the Susquehanna, forming the east line of Broome county. 

That the portion of this boundary agreed upon by the Indians, ex- 
tending from " Oswegy " east was intended to be in the north 
boundary of Pennsylvania appears from the letter of Governor 
Henry Moore of New York to the E:irl of Hillsborough, 37 
June, 1769, in which he states, '' The inclosed sketch was sent to 

* Tennessee River. 

f "Owegy" on the rude map made by Guy Johnson which is enclosed in Sir 
William Johnson's letter written to the Earl of Hillsborough, the Colonial Secre- 
tary, a few days after the date of the Indian deed. It is spelled "Owege " upon 
the map attached to the Report of the Board of Trade, referred to at page '6i 
(Sketcii No. 1). This name seems to have been spelled indiscriminately "Os- 
wegy " and " Owegy " in the various documents, and by the distorted representa- 
tion of the geography of the country upon some of the maps of the i)eriod, it 
would seem to have been erroneously placed at the locality afterward known as 
Tioga Point. A line drawn east from Owego would strike the Delaware a long 
distance above the point at which the line north to the Susquehanna leaves it, 
and would have left the Indian villages of Chenango, Chughnut and Ouaquaga 
in possession of the whites, thus defeating the object of the detour to the Delaware. 
Upon Guy Johnson's map annexed to the Rev. Charles Inglis' " Memorial concern- 
ing the Iroquois" in 1771 (N.Y. Doc. Hist. (4'^) iv, 661) " Owegy" is more correctly 
located and the Indian Boundary is shown by a diagonal line drawn south-easterly 
from that point to the present Initial Point. 

J N. Y. Col. Hist., viii, 136. Tianaderha is now known as the Unadilla River. 
Awandae is now Tonawanda. 

rSoii Doc. No. 71.] s 



5S {Senate 

me by Sir William Johnson, in order to be laid before the liouse of 
Asseml)h' and only shews so much of the line as relates to this 
Province. Pennsylvania is now bounded on the north by the East 
and West line drawn from Owei>y to the Delaware," * Owegy 
located upon this map just below the intei-section of the parallel of 
42 degrees with the Susquehanna river, and the line drawn 
East from the point passes entirely south of all the Indian villages 
on Susquehanna, intersecting the Delaware near the present" Initial 
Pohit." 

In the Indian Deed to the Penns, signed at Fort Stanwix the 
same day that the deed defining the general boundary line between 
the Indians and the Colonists was signed, the grant to Thomas and 
Richard Penn covered "all that part of the province of Pennsylvania 
not heretofore purchased of the Indians, within the said general 
boundary line and beginning with said boundary line, on the east 
side of the East branch of the river Susqueliannah, at a place 
called Owegy and running with the said boundary line down the 

said branch then up the said river Delaware on the 

west side thereof to the intersection of it, by an east line to be 
drawn from Owegy aforesaid to the said river Delaware, then with 
that east line to the beginning at Owegy aforesaid." Sir William 
Johnson and the New York commissioners present would not have 
consented to this grant, had they an idea that "Owegy" was north 
of the " beginning of the fortj'-tliird degree." 

In 1774, the line of cession was run east from the mouth uf Owego 
creek to a point about four miles east of Binghaniton, by Robert 
Lettis Hooper, and a number of British military land warrants were 
laid out along the south side of it, in the present county of Broome, 
forming what afterward became Bingliam's Patent. Coxe's Manor 
in Tioga county was laid out south of it at the same time. This 
location of the line of 1708, so mucli farther north than was intended 
at the time of the treaty, created great dissatisfaction among tlie Six 
JSations, and came very near influencing them to cast their lot with 
the Colonists against the British in the Revolution, Such a I'esult 
from the inaccurate knowledge of the early geography of the coun- 
try displayed l)y the English officials in their dealings with the In- 
dians would undoubtedly have materially shortened the war of the 
Revolution, and have entirely changed the history of the United 
States. This survey was the sul)ject of discussion at two congresses 
witii the Indians in 1774, and it required considerable diplomacy on 
tlie pai't of Col. Guy Johnson, who had succeeded Sir William John- 
son at his death as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, to induce the 
Indians to remain friendly to the British, f Col, Johnson, 16 March, 
1775, in transmitting the proceedings of these congresses to the 
Earl of Dartmouth, refers to the subject thus: 

"The next part of the inclosures contain Transactions with the 
Chief of the Lower Senecas (a Man of great fidelity) and with a party 

* N. Y. Col. Hist., viii, 149, 150. f Idem, viii, fjoO-l, and 560-1. 



No. 71. j 59 

of Cayugas, and the last is the substance of my proceedings witli 
those Six Nation Indians who inhabit about the Susquehanna, and 
who are much alarmed at finding that the boundary line lately run 
from Owegy on the before mentioned river to Delaware includes 
four of their Villages contrary to the intention of tlie Fort Stanwix 
Treaty in 1768. — This error was occasioned thro' the want of a 
proper survey of the course of the Susquehanna, at that time, all the 
Maps then to be found having given it a much more Northerly direc- 
tion than it appears to have (above Owegy) according to the late 
survey which leaves tlieir Villages within the limits of the Coloniet- 
& thereby causes much discontent, not only amongst those imme- 
diately aifected, but the rest, who have applied to me for redress, as 
previous to their executing the Deed of Cession they in a public 
speech stipulated : ' That the Lands of the Mohawks, as also the 
residences of any others of the Confederacy, affected by the Cession 
should be considered as their sole property.' And, therefore, it may 
appear necessary to give them some security for the lands they oc- 
cupy about the Villages so circumstanced, otherwise at a time where 
so much jealousy subsists on account of lands and encroachments, 
this would be aggravated into a high grievance by the Confederacy 
(who are bound to provide their people with lands) and probably in- 
cline them to engage in some of these evil Councils or Associations, 
which it has been my constant endeavours to prevent. I therefore 
hope to be enabled to signify to them His Majesty's commands 
thereon, and if I can also receive orders respecting some land (and 
other) matters mentioned in former letters, previous to the General 
Congress, that must shortl}^ take place, it will pro\e of great advan- 
tage to the service, for I find that rejiorts of encroacliments ettc. 
have spread amongst the Nations to the Westward, and, I likewise 
discovei", that measures are now in agitation to draw the Six Nations 
Into the schemes of the disaft'ccted by persuading them, that they are 
in danger and that their applications will be disregarded ; so that 
any marks of attention at this time will strengthen their confidence 
in His Maj'^' wliich I continually labour to promote, than which 
nothing can be more necessary, wiien not only amongst themselves, 
but also a great number of the White people are endeavouring to 
alienate their aifections and even spirit them up to worst purposes. 
This I have hitherto been fortunate enough to prevent, and under 
the sanction of Govern'^ I trust, I shall neither prove wanting in zeal 
or infiuence to render their schemes abortive.'*'"'' 

The ]nilitary land warnmts located by Hooper were never con- 
firmed by the British government of the Colony. Aftei" the Revoli;- 
tion, and the actual line of Pennsylvania had been run, New York 
found it necessary to extinguish the Indian title to the lands south 
of Hooper's line, and to grant new w'arrniits for the re-survey of 
most of the lands he had laid out in 1774-5. 



X. Y. Col. Hist., viii, 548-9. 



60 [Senato 

The Proprietaries ask to Have Their Boundaries Fixed. 

The questionof a settlement of the location of the Boundary seemB 
to have rested until 1774, when the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania, 
having had their south boundary settled arbitrarily upon a line con- 
siderably north of that described in the charter, petitioned the King 
to have the remaining boundaries fixed and marked. Their peti- 
tion is as follows : 

*' To the Kings most excellent Majesty in Council : 

*' The humble petition of Thomas Penn and John Penn Proprie- 
taries of Your Majesty's Province of Pennsylvania in America 
[August 26, 1774]. ' 

Sheweth. 

'' That on the 4th day of March 1680 His late Majesty King 
Charles the Second was graciously pleased By Letters Patent under 
the Great Seal to Gi-ant unto William Penn Esquire (late Father 
of your Petitioner Thomas Penn and Grandfather of your Peti- 
tioner John Penn"! in Fee the said Province of Pennsylvania 

" That the Extent and Bounds of the said Province were ex- 
pressed in the said Letters Patent in the following "Words (that is t» 
say) 

"That the said William Penn and his Children claiming under 
him have as they humbly hope answered the Purposes for wbicfe 
the said Province was granted * * * 

'' That the Boundary Line of the said Province of Pennsylvania 
hath now been finally adjusted and settled between your Petitioners 
and the late Right Honorable Frederick Lord Baron of Baltimore 
in the Kingdom of Ireland Proprietoi- of the Province of Mary- 
land 

" That at the Time of the making of the said Grant to the said 
William Penn the Continent of America was not so well under- 
stood as the same hath been of later Years for your Petitioners 
conceive that the province of Maryland (which was granted prior 
to that of Pennsylvania) as bounded by the Line drawn by the said 
Commissioners extends now considerably farther Northward than it 
was apprehended the same would have extended at the Time 
of the Grant to the said William Penn and it is now certainly 
known that the Circle at twelve Miles distant from New Castle caii 
never touch the beginning of the fortieth Degree of northern Lati- 
tude as the said Grant of the said Province of Pennsylvania sup- 
posed ; Your Petitioners therefore could not have three Degrees 
of Latitude according to the Intention of their Grant without en- 
croaching upon the Province of Maryland and the Line betweea 
your Petitioners and Lord Baltimore which ought to have been ran 
due West from the Circle twelve miles distant from New Castle at 
the beginning of the fortietli degree of nortliern Latitude was run 
in that direction towards the end of the said fortieth Decree but to 



No. 71.] 61 

the manifest prejudice of your Petitioners Wherefoi-e your Peti- 
tioners apjirebend that to the Westward of Maryhmd wliere no 
other Grant interferes they ought to liave the whole Extent of three 
Degrees of Latitude viz': from the beginning of the fortieth to the 
l>eginning of the forty-third Degree of northern Latitude. 

"That your Petitioners also apprehend it is now certainly known 
that the said River Delaware doth extend to and beyond the beo-in- 
ning of the three and fortieth Degree of Northern Latitude from 
twelve miles distance Northwards of New Castle Town yet still the 
spot at which tlie two and fortieth Degree of Northern Latitnde 
doth end and the forty third Degree doth begin hath never been 
fixed and the whole Northern ajjd AVestern Boundaries and the 
Southern Boundary to the "Westward of Maryland remain yet to be 
drawn. 

" That great numbers of People mider Grants from the Province 
of New York are settled and daily settling in those Parts where (as 
your Petitioners apprehend) the Northern Boundary of the said 
Province of Pennsylvania according to the Intention of their Char. 
ter ought to run and others are settled and daily settling without 
any Grants whatever in those Parts where (as your Petitioners ap. 
prchend) the Western Boundary of the said Province ought to run, 
and an Application having lately been made to your Majestv for 
erecting into separate Province a large Tract of Land on the River 
Ohio to the Westward of Pennsylvania unless the Bounds of the 
Province of Pennsylvania be set out and ascertained Your Peti- 
tioners apprehend great Contentions m:iy hereafter arise between 
the Inhabitants of the said Province, and those claiming to be 
witliin tlie Lines of New York or of such other Province as may be 
erected to the Westward of Peimsylvania and many Outrages be 
committed the Perpetrators Mdiereof by reason of the uncertaintv 
of the said Northern and AVestern Boundaries Avill with difhculty 
be made amenable to the Justice of any of the said Provinces. 

"Wherefore your Petitioners most humbly pray your Majesty 
that you will be graciously pleased to order such disinterested Per- 
sons in those Parts as your Majesty shall think most proper to be 
appointed with Power to join with sncii Persons as shall be named 
by your Petitioners for the marking and ascertaining the ]>eirinning 
of the forty-third Degree of Northern Latitude on the said River 
Delaware and for the marking and ascertaining a strait Line to the 
Extent of five Degrees in Longitude due West from the Place which 
shall be nsccrtained to be the beginning of the forty third Dec^ree 
of Northern Latitude to be fixed and settled as the Northern Boiind- 
aiy of the said Province of Pennsylvania and for the marking and 
ascertaining a Line due South from the Western Bounds of the said 
Proviirce of Afaryland to the Beginning of the fortieth Deo^ree of 

Northern Latitude All which your Petitioners have 

thouo-ht it i-ight to submit to your Afajesty's ^Vjsdom in Order th;it 
your Majesty may if you shall so please give Directions that the said 



02 [Skx.vtic 

Lines mav an'oixling'ly l>o I'un to provrnt .iiiy dispute whicli may 
hereafter arise toueliiin;- the Boundaries of the said Province. 

" And \ our Petitioners (as in all Putv bounds shall evei- prav 

From this petition it seems that the elain\ to lands beyond the 
** heginnino" of the ft>rty-third Deiiree " l»ad been abandoned. It 
had become evident to them that King Charles had sold the contid- 
ini;- Quaker three degrees of latitude and had delivered but little 
nn>re than two. 

•lolNl- AvMlON 0)~ rilK (\>I.OXlKS AN1> Esr.VlU.lSUMKN r OK TMK iNmAL 

Point. 

The authorities o( both Provinces seem by this time to have been 
seriously considering the necessity of marking the r)Onndary, but the 
question of provision for the expenses had first to be settled. 

As a preliminary to the actuiil business of marking the Botnidary 
<iovernor Colden (the former Surveyor-General), in a letter to 
Governor Penu says (^i!2 August, 1774), in a letter acknowledging 
a ivceipt of a copy of the petition, *' I am entirely of your Opinion 
rliat the as^certainiug and establishing the Boundaries between the 
(.'oK^nies, is a flatter of great Importance to both, and ought to be 
riccomplished without delay. You may, therefore, be assured that 
I will recommend this Business to the Assembly at their next 
Session. A Provision for the Expence must come from them, on 
which Head I can give no Answer till they meet, which will not 
pj'olvibly be before the T\'inter. Settling the Beginning of the 
4;»d Degree of Latitude on Delaware Biver, would alone be a 
Point of nmeh Consequence, and miiiht in a great meiujure be suf- 
tivient at present to pivvent Eneroaclnnents on either Side. This 
might be done mneh sooner, and at nnich less Expence, by Commis- 
sioners ap]>ointed by this and your Province, than if refer'd to 
Oommissionci-s to be appointed by the King. The Latitude may be 
determined with the greatest certainty in the months of November 
and December, by observing the Altitude of the Pole Star above 
:md below the Pole. In this Method no calculation is necessary, 
nor is there anv Dependance on the previous Work of othei-s.'' f 

Tlie Council seems to have taken the subject of the petition 
]>romptly into consideration. At a session held September 1, 1774, 
the following minute was made : " The Council humbly Advise 
that His Honor do Signify to Governor Penn, that they conceive it 
to be very expedient, that the Limits of this and the Province'of 
Pennsilvania In? speedily ascertained and marked out. But that no 
Engagement e.nn be made for bearing any Part of tlie Expences 
until the General Assembly have taken* the Subject Matter oi 
Governer Penn's Letter into' Consideration." ^ 

Governer Colden, in transmittinof this action of the Council to 



* N. Y. Tol. MSS.. 0. 147. ^ N. Y. Couucil Min.. xxvi, 407. 

f Peuu. Arcb., iv. 502. 



No. 71.] 03 

Venn, says : " In the Conversation which I liad with the Gentlemen 
of tlie Council upon this Occasion, they were of Opinion tliat the 
Assembly would not be induced to bear our Proportion of the 
Expence of runing the whole Northern Boundary of Pensilvania, 
which extends so much farther westward, than We have any proba- 
bility of settling in many years. Onr Assembly have experienced 
such a heavy expence attending the appointment of Commissioners 
under the Great Seal of England, that it may even be apprehended 
they will not at any rate, clioose to engage in that way. Jjut We do 
not doubt they would be willing to join with you in Appointing two 
Gentlemen, one of each Province to deterniine the Latitude on 
Delawar River, and the northern Boundary, so far as there is any 
room to imagine the Settlements on either side can extend for a 
considerable Time to come. In which way it may l>e done \'ery 
effectually, at much less Expence." * 

At another meeting of the Council November 8, another minute 
was read as follows : '• His Honor tlie Lieutenant Governor laid 
before the Board a Letter from The Hono'''^ : John Penn Es^j^: Gov- 
ernor of Petmsylvania informing his Honor, that the Surveyors on 
the Part of that Province, were set out, and requesting his Honor 
would direct the Surveyor on the Part of this Province to proteed 
as soon as possible to the River Delaware, and in conjunction with 
the Pennsilvania Surveyors to fix the Forty second Degree of North 
Latitude being the Boundary between the two Provinces. And the 
raid Letter liaving been read, the council humbly advise that his 
Honor do request Cap*^ Holland to act as Surveyor on the Part of 
this Province, and instruct liim to act in Conjunction with the Sur- 
veyors on the part of Penusilvania in ascertaining the said Latitude 
'<f Forty-two Degrees North being the Boundary l>efore mentioned.''^ 

As surveyor on the part of the Province of Pennsylvania, Dr. 
David RittenhoiLse had been appointed. Capt. Holland was an officer 
in the Briti-h Army. Pie was Surveyor-General of Lands in the 
northern district of America. Dr. Rittenhouije had previously made 
observations for latitude upon the boundary of New Jersey. 

Capt. Holland and Dr. Rittenhouse went promptly at work, as 
appears from their report Mhich was submitte«i to the Council 2-5 
Jan., 1775. 

This report is as follows : 

" Whereas, The Honorable Cadwalader Colden Es^^uire Lieu- 
tenant Governor of the Province of New York with the Advice of 
liis'Majesty's Council did on the Eiglith day of Novcmljer last, Nomi- 
nate and appoint Samuel Holland Esquire ifecto proceed in conjunc- 
tion with M"^ David Rittenhouse, or sucli Person as might be aj>- 
pointed on the part of the Province of Pennsylvania to tix the be- 
ginning of the 43'* Degree of North Latitude on the Mohawk or 
Western Branch of De!awai-e. and to proceed Westward as far as the 
season would permit along the Beginning of the said degree which is 
the Boundars* between the Provinces of New York and Pennsvlvania. 

* Penn. Arch, iv, 57S. -f N. Y. Council Miu., ixvi, 413. 



64: [SENA.TK 

And Whereas the Honorable John Penn Esquire Governor «fec*, 
of Pennsylvania did on the twenty fourth Day of October last nomi- 
nate and appoint the said David iiittenhouse to proceed on the like 
Service in Conjunction with the said Samuel Holland or such Person 
as should be appointed on the Part of the Province of New York ; 
Now We the said Samuel Holland and David Ritteuhouse beg Leave 
to make the following joint Report of our Work viz^ 

Having in proceeding up the said River made several Observa- 
tions with a good Hadley's Quadrant, in order to Determine nearly 
the Latitude required, We fixed our Instruments on the spot marked 
A in the Annexed Draught as most convenient for our purpose, 
particularly an excellent Astronomical Sector of six feet Radius made 
by Mr. Bird, with which we made the following Observations wheu 
the several stars were on our Meridian. 

1774 

Nov"" 19''' Zenith distance of (^ Lyra + refraction =- 

23 Zenith distance of a Cygni + refraction = 

24 Zenith distance of a Lyra + refraction = 
24 Zenith distance of cz Cygni + refraction = 

26 Zenith distance of Castor + refraction =- 

27 Zenith distance of a Lyra + refraction = 
27 Zenith distance of u Cygni + refraction = 

From tlie above observations compared with the Declination of the 
Stars as determined by D"^ Bradley, corrected by Aberration and 
Nutation We conchided our Latitude to be 42° 00' 1".3 that is 132 
feet too far North allowing 102 feet to a Second, Double this distance 
viz 2ij4 feet We measured on a Line bearing S 60° E in order to 
avoid the River, and there in a smnl! Island marked B in the Draught 
planted a Stone with the Letters ^'I'^w-york, q^^^ ^^^ ^^g gj j^ j^^jj ^^^ ^\^^, 

Top i.AT. 42^ VAR. 4^^ 20'. Thence due West on the West side of 
Delaware River, We collected a Heap of Stones at Higli Watermark 
and in the said West line 4 Perches distant, planted another Stone 
as at C with the Letters Pennsylvania q^^ ^^ ^\^q South side and on 
the Top Lat 42^"^ Var. 4'^. 20' and from thence due West 1 8 P. marked 
an Asli Tree. But the rigour of the Season prevented us from pro- 
ceeding farther. 

SAMUEL HOLLAND. 

DAVID RITTENHOUSE."t 
Dated at PniLADELPniA the 14"' December, 1774. ''•' 

*X. Y. Council Min., xxvi, 417-8. 

f Dr. David Rittknhouse was accounted one of tlie ablest astronomers and 
mailiemaliciaus of liis tiun^ He was of German descent, and was the son of 
Matthias and Wilhelmina Rittenbonse. He was born 8 April, 17;-{'3, in German- 
town, Penn. Injiis infancy, his father, who was a paper manufacturer, aban- 
doned the occupation and removed to Norritou, in Montgomery county, and 
en^raged in farming. David, until the age of eighteen, was employed upon the 
farm, but was constantly occupying himself with mathematical studies and dia- 



3° 


.24'. 


, 40' 


2 


29 


23 


o 
u 


24 


38 


2 


29 


22 


9 


38 


36 




24 


39 


2 


29 


18 



A 



Sketch No. 2 . 
Map No. 211 . 

OFFICE OF SeCRETAftY OF STATE 

Albany. N.Y. 




■ farm"; but waa couatantly occupyiug himself with mathematical studies and dia- 



No. 71.] 65 

Sketcli No. 2 is a copy of the '* Drauglit " referred to in the 
report.* 

We have very little information as to the preliminary work done 
by Messrs. liittenhouse and Holland before reaching tiie point which 
they settled npon as the approximate latitude. Anioni^ the papers 
of George Palmer now in possession of the Historical Association 
of Pennsylvania is a field-book of a traverse of the Delaware river, 
a copy of which is given in the Appendix (App. G). Tlie-traverse, 
or survey of the river from a point some distance below the present 
Port Jervis, terminates 15 November, 17T4-, at a " beech stump cut 
high for ye observation," we can only infer from the dates that 
Messrs. Pitten house and Palmer gradually felt their way up the 
Delaware until this point was reached. That this w^as probably the 
case is shown by Mr. liittenhouse's account for his services in whicli 

grams. He frequently displayed proofs of his mechanical genius. Wlien he was 
eighteen years of age, his father set him up as a clock and mathematical instru- 
ment maker. He made most of his own tools, and applied himself to his studies 
and work until the age of twenty-five. His uncommon talents attracted the 
attfMitiou of John Lukens, afterward Surveyor-General of the State, and, through 
the influence of Mr. Lukens and a few other friends, he was induced to take up 
astronomical work and surveying, in the pursuit of which he himself made, or 
bad made by his brotlier Benjamin, the chronometers and other instruments nec- 
essary to his practice. He is said to have invented the vernier compass now in 
use in ordinary surveying. The Penns employed him, in 17G3, in gefgraphical 
work, preparatory to fixing the Delaware and Maryland boundary, particularly 
upon the " New Castle Circle." He was married in 176(5, 20 February, to f^leanor 
Colston, wlio died, and he afterward married Hannah Jacobs, December, 1772. 
November 17, 17G7, he was made Master of Arts by the College of Philadelphia; 
and, in 1709, was employed as astronomer upon the boundary line between New 
Jersey and New York. In that year, too, he was one of tlie gentlemen appointed 
by tlie American Philosophical Society to observe the transit of Venus, the ob- 
servatory for which purpo.se, in Philadelphia, was constructed under his direction. 
He removed his residence to Philadelphia in 1770, when he constructed his 
celebrated Planetarium. In 1773, and again in 1781, he was Appointed a commis- 
sioner for improving the navigation of the Schuylkill river. In conjunction with 
Captain Samuel Holland, of the Royal Engineers, he fixed the Initial Point of the 
boundary between New York and Pennsylvania in 1774, and in 1785 he was ap- 
pointed one of the commissioners for completing this boundary. He had 
previously, in 1784-5, been engaged upon the continuation westward of " Mason 
and Dixon's " line, and in rvmning the west line of Pennsylvania. He was ac- 
tively employed upon the New York boundary during a part of 1786. but. in 1787, 
he was engaged upon a commission appointed by Congress to settle the boundary 
between Massachusetts and New York. He was State Treasurer from 1776 to 
17S9, and, after the completion of his boundary work, he devoted himself to astro- 
nomical observations, and was also engaged in the superintendence of surveys 
for some of the earlier public works of Pennsylvania. He was the author of a 
number of published scientific papers, and succeeded Dr. Franklin as president of 
the American Philosophical Society. He died 26 June, 1796. 

♦Portfolio Map No. 211, OflBce of Secretary of State, Albany, N. Y. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 9 



&Q [Senate 

he charges for time spent in surveying the river from Philadelpliia 
to this point.* 

Here after three or four days engaged in preliminary preparations 
they commenced the observations which were to lix for time to come 
the starting point of the Boundary between two great States. 

Governor Coldeu on 26 June, 1775, sent the following message 
to the New York General Assembly : 

" Gentlemen, In the month of August last, Governor Penn 
made an overture to me, for settling the boundary line between this 
Province and Pennsylvania. He very justly observed that, as the 
settlements under both governments were daily approaching the line, 
it was of gi'eat importance to have the boundary marked without 
delay. The gentlemen of the council were of opinion that it would 
be sufficient at this time, to find the beginning of the 43d degree of 
latitude upon the Delaware and Susquehannah rivers ; to mark those 
points, and so much of the boundary line as lies between them. 
They advised me to appoint Samuel Holland, Esquire, to perform 
the work on the pai't of this province, in conjunction with the per- 
sons whom Governor Penn should appoint on tiie part of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

"Mr. Holland and Mr. Rittenhouse went upon this work in 
November last, and lixed the latitude on Delaware river. They met 
with unexpected fatigue and danger, from the severity of the 
weather, which made it impossible to proceed an 3' further I send you 
Mr, Holland's account ; he has advanced a considerable part of the 
amount, and I recommend to you, gentlemen, now to make provision 
for the payment of this service, which I have reason to think has been 
accurately ])erformed,"f and upon the 15th of March the Assembly 
passed the following resolution : 

" That it is the opinion of this committee that there be allowed 
unto Samuel Holland, Esq. for his services on the part of this 
colony, in conjunction with Mr. Rittenhouse on the part of Penn- 

* The following copy of Mr. Ritteuhouse's bill was taken from the Penn MSS., 

xi, 81) ; 
" The Honorable The Proprietaries to D. Rittenhouse, Dr. 
"1774, Dec. 

"For 70 days of my own time spent in determining the Beginning 
of the 43'^. degree of Latitude on the River Delaware and sur- 
veying the sd River from thence to Philadelphia at 34f £119 „ „ 

"1775., Tune. 

" For continuing the survey of the river Delaware so far as it is * 

a boundary of the Province of Pennsylvania 5 days at 34f per 
day £8 „ 10 „ 

" To Cash paid for Provisions on the latter Survey £6 „ „ 

£133 ,, 10 ,, 0" 
[Endorsed on the back] 

"1775^ 

Aug. 20"' 

charges p'' V 

D. Rittenhouse | 

£133,, 10,, 0" J 

fJour. N. Y. Gen. ABsem, 1775, pp. 17, 18, 



No. 71.] 67 

sylvania, in fixing the beginning of the 43'' degree of Latitude upon 
the River Delaware as per account, the sum oi I 202 13 6."* 

And tlnis, with only the intersection of the "beginning of the 
three and fortieth degree of North Latitude" with the Delaware 
River, marked upon the ground, the matter rested until after the 
Revolution. 

Action of the States Preliminary to a Resumption of the 

Survey. 

The war had no sooner ended than the merchants of Philadelphia 
began to agitate the question of inland navigation and commerce. 
And upon the 15 Sept., 17S3, the General Assembly of Pennsyl- 
vania received a report from the committee appointed to confer with 
the merclumts upon this question, and adopted a series of resolu- 
tions, among which was the following: 

" "Third, — To examine the navigation of the Susquehanna to the 
sources of the same, and ascertain as near as conveniently may be 
where the northwn boundary of this State will fall, particularly 
whether any part of Lake Erie is within the State of Pennsylvania, 
taking ])articul;ir notes of the nature and geography of the country 
as to the practicability of roads, water carriage, air, soil, natural pro- 
ductions, &ca."t 

Upon the 20 of the same month the General Assembly appointed 
"William Maclay, James Wilkinson and William Montgomery :j: com- 
missioners to perform the duties mentioned in the resolution above 
quoted. 

The Commonwealth had by treaty on 23 October, 1784, extin- 
guished the Indian title to all the land covered by Pena's original 
charter lying north-w'est of the line of property fixed in 1768, and 
it was quite desirable that its northern limit should be settled, both 
for the purpose of bringing the lands into market, and to fix a 
new boundary between the whites and Indians, who still retained 
their hold upon the lands in New York west of the line of 1768. 
Upon 18 Feb., 1785, the General Assembly of Pennsylvania took 
action as follows : 

" The report of the committee appointed to confer with the Com- 
missioners &c., read February 10, was read the second time and 
adopted as following (viz.) 

" Tlie committee appointed on the eleventh instant to confer with 
the Commissioners elected in pursuance of the third resolution of 
the General Assembly, adopted tlie fifteenth day of September 
1783, to examine the navigation of the Susquehanna, and to ascer- 
tain as near as conveniently may be where the northern boundary of 
this State M'ill fall etc., beg leave to report. 

" That the ascertaining of the Northern boundary of this State is 

* Idem, p. 73. f Penn. Arch , x. 129. 

X William Montjromery resigned, and upon 17th August, 1784, Joseph Mont- 
gomery was pointed in his place. 



68 [Senate 

rendered the more immediately necessary by the late purchase of 
territory from the Indians, and the design of opening the Land Of- 
fice for the Sale of lands bordering on the said boundary especially 
as your committee are well informed that the six nations of Indians 
have appointed one of their Chiefs to attend the Commissioners on 
the part of this State in running and marking the said boundary line 

as early as the season will admit. 

•* * * * * * 

" That your committee have conferred with two of the said Com- 
missioners, and find that they are nearly pi'epared and propose to 
set out on the business about the first of April, but as greater accu- 
racy seems now to be requisite in ascertaining the northern boundary, 
than was formerly in contemplation, a further supply of mathe- 
matical instruments may be necessary. 

''Your Committee therefore offer tiie following Resolutions, 

" Resolved, That the Commissioners appointed in pursuance of, 
the said third resolution of the General Assembly of this State, 
adopted on the fifteenth of September 1783, be directed to proceed 
as early as may be to execute the objects of their appointment so 
far as may be done without proceeding up the Susquehanna beyond 
the limits of this State, being careful to mark the north boundary 
line thereof in such manner as that the same may be I'cadily known 
and understood by the Surveyors and settlers, also by the Indians 
who may approach the same. 

" Resolved," [this resolution authorizes the payment of sums nec- 
essary for purchasing instruments, provisions and other necessaries 
for tlie said service, not exceeding fifty pounds to each of the said 
Commissioners]. 

" Resolved, That the President and Supreme Executive Council 
of this State be desired to inclose the foregoing resolutions to the 
Governor of the State of JSTew York and to request that Commis- 
sioners on the part of that State may be appointed to run and mark 
a temporary line between the States of Pennsylvania and New 
York, in conjunction with the Commissioners of this State; and 
that the Commissioners of this State be directed to meet at the 
north-east corner of this State, or Station point as heretofore settled, 
on the first day of April next."* 

Governor Dickinson at once transmitted the resolutions of the 
General Assembly to the Governor of New York in the following 
words : 

" We inclose Resolutions passed yesterday by the General Assem- 
bly of this Commonwealth and request that Commissioners on the 
part of your State, may be appointed to run & mark a temporary 
Line, according to the said Resolutions. The Commissioners on the 
part of this State arc,"t [names not given J. 

The Legislature of New York responded very promptly to the 
action of Pennsylvania and passed upon 7 March, 1785, " An ACT 

*Pena, Arch., x, 412, 413. f Penn. Arch., x, 4 -?/, 



No. 71.] 60 

for running out and marking the jurisdiction Line between tliis 
State and the Commonwealth of Penns^-lvania." 

This act, after reciting the action ah-eady taken bj the two States 
(Provinces), in 1774, in lixing the Initial Point at tlie Delaware, pro- 
vided for the appointment of three commissioners by the Governor 
who should meet the commissioners appointed on the part of Penn- 
sj^lvania and "then and there run out, mark and ascertain the said 
Line of Jurisdiction between this State and the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania^ beghming at the Place so fixed and ascertained by 
the said Commissioners as above mentioned, on the j\Iohawl\ or 
Western Brancli of Delaware^ at the Beginning of the Forty-third 
Degree of North Latitude, and from thence to ]>roceed Westward, 
along the Beginning of the said Forty-third Degree of North Lati- 
tude, as far as this State and the said Commonwealth of Pennsyl- 
vania border on each otlier.''* 

These commissioners were also " empowered to employ a Sur- 
veyor or Surveyors, Chain-bearers and such and so many other Per- 
sons as may be found necessary to perform the executive Pai-t, in 
running, marking and ascertaining the said Line, in Conjunction 
with such Person or Persons as may be appointed on the part of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for that Purpose ; and such Line 
so agreed upon, approved of, and consented to by said Commission- 
ers, or any two of them, and such Person or Persons as shall be 
appointed by and on the Part of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- 
vania^ being reported to the Persons administring the Government 
of this State, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for the 
Time being, and ratified and confirmed by the Legislature of tliis 
State and the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania^ 
shall hereafter be the Line of Jurisdiction between this State and 
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania^'' and an appropriation of one 
thousand pounds was made for the purpose of defraying the 
expenses.f 

Four days afterward Governor Clinton transmitted to Governor 
Dickinson a copy of this act with the following remarks: 

"Previous to my receipt of your Excellency's Letter of the 19th 
February, inclosing Resolutions of your General Assembl}^, a Bill 
had originated in our Legislature for running and marking the ju- 
risdiction Line between this State and Pennsylvania, which has since 
passed into a Law, and I have now the Honor to inclose you a Copy 
of it. 

" Your Excellency will perceive that instead of a temporary Line 
between the two States, which appears to be the object of your As- 
sembly, our Law provides for the establishment of a permanent 
Line; and 1 flatter myself, that upon a reconsideration of the matter, 
your Legislature will concur in the Idea. I presume it will be ad- 

*Laws of N. Y. (Jones and Varick). i, 194, 195. 

f Laws of N. Y. (Jones and Varick). i, 194, 195. An Act supplementary to this 
Act, providing for filling vacancies iu the Commission was passed 21 April. 1787 
(Jones and Varick), ii, 172. 



70 [Senaie 

mitted if a temporary Line only was to ran, it should be done with 
accuracy to prevent the obvious inconveniences which the Borderers 
would be subject to as tlie Settlements advance on either side ; and 
the consequent broils which the two States might be involved in by 
an incorrect Line in the lirst Listance, and in this Case there can be 
but little additional expeuce incurred in rendering it perfect and 
permanent. 

" By the Act, you will observe, it is left with our Council to ap- 
point Commissioners tor this Service on the part of this State, 
which shall be done, and Their Mames transmitted to your Excel- 
lency, and every other necessary Arrangement made on our part for 
carrying the business into effect, so soon as 1 shall be informed of 
the Concurrence of your State."* 

Pennsylvania responded 31 March in the following action by the 
General Assembly : 

"Whereas, it appears by documents and papers laid before this 
General Assembly, that the Legislature of the State of New York 
have by law provided for the running out, marking and ascertain- 
ing the boundary line between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 
and the State of New York, so that the same may be the lixed and 
permanent line of jurisdiction between the said States. 

" Resolved, that the resolution of the fifteenth day of September, 
1783, for appointing Commissioners for certain purposes therein 
mentioned and the resolution of the eighteenth day of February 
last, for enlarging the powers of the Commissioners appointed in 
pursuance of the said resolve of the fifteenth day of September 
aforesaid, so as to enable them to run out and mark a temporary line 
of jurisdiction between this State and the State of New York, be, 
and the same hereby are, rescinded and made null and void. 

" Resolved, that the Executive Council be, and the said Council is 
hereby empo\vered to draw orders on the Treasurer of this State 
for the payment of such sum or sums of money as shall appear to 
be due to each of the said Commissioners for any services due or ex- 
pences borne by them, or either of them, under their appointment, 
as aforesaid." f 

These resolutions were supplemented by " An Act to authorize 
and enable the Supremo Executive Council to appoint commission- 
ers, to join with the commissioners appointed or to be appointed on 
the part of the State of New York, to ascertain the northern bound- 
ary of this State from the river Delaware, westward to the north- 
west corner of Pennsylvania," which was passed the same day. 

The Council appointed David Ritten house and Andrew Porter as 
commissioners under this act, and 6 April, Governor Dickinson 
transmitted to Governor Clinton a copy of the new law with the 
names of the new commissioners. 

By the passage of the new series of Resolutions by the Pennsyl- 
vania Assembly, rescinding the previous action for fixing a tempo- 

*Penn. Arcb., x, 422. f Penn. Arch,, x, 710. 



No. 71.] 71 

rar}^ line, the commissioners previously appointed, Messrs. Maclay 
and Montgomery, were relieved from duty. Apparently the only 
act performed by these gentlemen which appears on the record was, 
the purchase of a transit instrument,* 22 Feb., 1785 at an expense 
of thirty pounds. It is possible they may have accomplished more 
than this, in establishing a temporary line, as we shall presently see. 
These gentlemen were advised of the appointment of the new com- 
missioners l)y the Secretary of the Commonwealth about three weeks 
after the passage of the rescinding resohitions. 

Upon 2 May following, Gov. Clinton wrote as follows to Gov. 
Dickinson : 

" Since I had the Honor of receiving your Excellency's last Letter, 
Phillip Schuyler,! James Clinton :|: and Simeon DeWitt, Esquires 
have been appointed on the Part of tiiis State for i-unning and as- 
certaining the jurisdiction Line between your State and this, so that 
nothing now remains to be done, but the appointing a Time for the 
commencement of the Business and making the necessary arrange- 
ments for carrying it into execution. I should suppose if these were 

*Dr. Rittenhouse in his letter 12 May, 1785, called it a "small astronomical 
Quadrant." 
f Schuyler did not act. ' 

j Qen. James Clinton was the third son of Colonel Charles Clinton, who set- 
tled in Ulster county. New York, in 1781. Col. Clinton was an excellent mathe- 
matician, and frequently practiced land surveying. He was judge of the Court 
of Common Pleas of Ulster county, aud a man of wide influence. James Clinton 
was born 9 August, 178G. In 1757 he was commissioned ensign in the Provincial 
army, aud in 1759 had attained the rank of captain, and commanded a company 
at the capture of Fort Frontenac. He continued in the Provincial service until 
1763. In tliat year ho raised and commanded a battalion of four companies in 
defense of Ulster county against the Indians. At the close of the war he retired 
to private life and married Mary DeWitt, by whom he had four .sous, the third of 
whom, DeWitt Clinton, born in 1769, was Governor of New York, and father of 
the Erie canal. In 1770 Col. Clinton was appointed surveyor upon the New 
Jersey and New York boundary by the New York commissioners. At the out- 
break of the Revolution, while a delegate to the First Provincial Congress, be 
was appointed colonel of the Third New York Regiment. In 1776 he was pro- 
moted to brigadier-general, aud was engaged in the expedition again.st Canada 
Under Gen. Montgomery. With an insufficient force in 1777 ho was stationed at 
Fort Montgomery on the Hudson, and made a firm but unsuccessful defense 
against the attack of the British army under Sir Henry Clinton. He was wounded, 
but escaped capture. In 1778 he was stationed at West Point, and constructed 
the chain across the river to intercept the enemy's ships. June 1, 1779, Qen. 
Clinton, in command of 2,000 troops, moved by way of Otsego lake and Susque- 
hanna river to join Sullivan in his expedition against the Six Nations. At the 
time of Aruold'b treason he was ordered to Albany and took command of the 
northern department. He was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at York- 
town. Gen. Clinton was a member of the tlrst Board of Regents of the Univer- 
sity, appointed in 1784, and in 1785 he was appointed by Governor Clinton, who 
was his youngest brother, as one of the commissioners for the survey of the Penu- 
sylviura boundary. Elected a delegate to the convention of 1787, which formed 
tlie Federal Constitution, he resigned the boundary commissionership. He was 
member of assembly from Ulster county in 178S, and was in that year elected 
State senator and served four years. He represented Orange county in the as- 
sembly in 1800-1, and was a member of the State (.Constitutional Convention in 
1801. His death occurred 22 December, 1812. The late Vice-Chaucellor Clintoa 
of the Regents of the University was a grandson of Gen. Clinton. 



72 [Senate 

to be submitted to the Gentlemen respectively appointed to perform 
the service niirtters Might be so concerted by them as not only to 
facilitate it andt- save expences but so as best to suit their own Pri- 
vate Conveniency. I shall be happy therefore if this sentiment should 
meet with your Excellency's Concurrence."* 

'i'liis letter was tran-mitted to Messrs. Kittenhouse and Porter 
with the following note: ''I received the inclosed Letter from Gov'r 
Clinton late last night ; & as his proposal of a Cori'espondence be- 
tween you & the Commissioner.-; of the State of New York, appears 
very proper to be adopted, I think it necessary that the Communica- 
tion should be made to you before you set out on your journey to 
the westward." f 

Dr. Rittenhouse responded as follows, May 8 : 

"1 thank your Excellency for communicating Governor Clinton's 
Letter. I likevvise received one last evening froui Mr. DeWitt one 
of the Gentlemen appointed by the State of New York for ascer- 
taining the Boundary Line. He proposes their meeting us at Phila- 
delphia to concert measures for carrying the business into execution, 
and wishes to receive our propositions by the next Post, as he is 
going to set off soon for Albany. He says they must depend on us 
for the necessary Instruments. I believe there is no Instrument tit 
for the purpose in this part of America excepting the 6 feet Sector 
belonging to Mr. Penn. But I have been for some time emploj'ed 
in making one which will be much more ])ortable than that of Mr. 
Penn, and I doubt not, equally accurate. It might soon be finished 
if I was not obliged to go to the westward.:}: 

" Whether the Northern Boundary may be deferred to another 
season Council alone can determine. I wi-h it might, as it seems 
scarcely possible to attend to both this Sunnner; if not I see nothing 
more eligible than the plan agreed on viz', for me to return some 
time in June, But I wish to remind your Excellency how little my 
Constitution is adapted to so much fatigue. "§ 

Governor Dickinson replied the next day that the Council had 
"thought proper to direct, that you & Coll. Porter should proceed 
to the westward agreeably to their instructions of the 6th inst. and 
that you should enter upon an immediate correspondence with the 
New York Commissioners and with them, determine when you can 
proceed to ascertain the northern Line."|| 

Dr. Rittenhouse wrote 12 May to Hon. James Irving, Vice-Presi- 
dent of the Council, thus : " When the marking a temporary Line 
between this State and New York was talked of a small astronomi- 
cal Quadrant was purchased for that purpose, it is very portable Jind 
would be useful on the western Line, not for the purpose of running 
the line or fixing the N. W. corner but for correcting the Geography 

*Penn. Arch., x, 450. f Idem, x, 454. 

|:Tlie line between Pennsylvania and Virginia upon which Messrs. Rittenhouse, 
Porter, and Elllcott were commiasioners, was run in 1785. It was on this account 
that the survey of the New York boundary was deferred until the next year. ^. 

§ Penn. Arch., x, 454. | Idem, x, 455. 



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No. 71. J 73 

of the Country, as it is public property and at present in my pos- 
session 1 would not hesitate to take it with me if 1 was assured that 
it will not be wanted by the Gentlemen who were «;-()iiii>- on the tem- 
porary Line. I shall be much obliged to you for any information oa 
this matte r." * 

Independent Surveys fok the Location of Lands. 

Meanwliile, settlers were impatiently awaitins: the formal action 
of tljc two (States preparatory to the final adjnstment of the line. 
Numerous appHcations were received by the Pennsylvania Land 
Office for the location of warrants in the north-eastern part of the 
State, and in 1784: Surveyor-General Lukens sent George Palmer to 
the ])oint lixed b}^ Rittenhouse and Holland, with instructions to 
expa)re the Boundary as far west as the Susquehanna, and lay out 
warrants in the north part of the present county of Wayne. 

June 1, Mr. Palmer reached the Initial Point and after a search 
of an hour and a half, found the monument which he had assisted in 
placing ten years before, and from which he ran a line west to the 
Susquehanna, a distance of twelve and live-eighths miles. His diary 
and field- book of this survey are now in the possession of the His- 
torical Society of Pennsylvania, and copies of these, as well as his 
commission as Deputy Surveyor, are given in Appendix G. Sketch 
No. 3, is a copy of Mr. Pahner's plot of this Survey .f The diary 
of two of his assistants is also given in A])pendix G. The original 
is also in the possession of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 
Mr. Palmer, upon the completion of the survey of this portion of 
the line, proceeded to lay out warrants based upon it from the Dela- 
ware river to a point seven miles west. When the present line was 
run two years afterward the latter diverged to the south from Mr. 
Palmer's line until at the Susquehanna river they were 454 feet 
apart. :}: There is no doubt that the surveys of several of the earlier 
tracts in the south-east part of Broome county, New York, were also 
based upon the Palmer line. The latter is still held as the land 
boundary at and near mile-stone 2. And a point near milestone 
'^ the Palmer line some 371 to 391 feet north of the present line 
"'^s held until 1865 by Pennsylvania owners as the true line. 

* Penn. Arch., x, 458. 

f Sketch Xo. 4 shows the relation of Palmer's line to the State line. 

I I'ho descriptioa of Hooper's 2000-acre Tract g-ranted in 1785, bea^inshere. The 
survey was made by James Clinton in 1T8G (the map was fiU'd ia tiie Secretary's 
onic(^ June fj,) probably while he M'as runninjj tlie Boundary. lie commences his 
certificate thus : " Began the Survey of Hooper's Tract on Pennsylvania Line at 
a Stake and Stones by it marked Pa. on one side and N. Y. on the other side, 
6.88 ch. South from the random line standing on the East bank of the Susque- 
hanna River and run from there along the Pennsylvania line south 80^* ^5' East 
100 ch." Tlie random line referred to was probably George Palmer's line of 1784, 
as the commissioners "Random" was south of Clinton's place of beginning. The 
description in the original grant before the survey was made, runs, '' Beginning 
on East bank of Susi^uehanna River on the Jurisdiction Line between New York 
and Pennsylvania and runs thence eastward along said Line." > 

■ [Sen. Doc. No. 71.] - '^ 10 



74 [Senate! 

Palmer's line was continued wefet to the second intersection of 
tlie river in June, 1784:, b}' Deputy Surveyor WilKam Gray, who 
based the surveys of a tier of warrants upon it. 

In the nortli-west corner of the State, the Legislature of Penn- 
sylvania liad set apart a tract of land as a donation to the Pennsyl- 
vania soldiers who served during the Revolutionary War to whom 
the warrants of survey were issued. The warrants in District No. 
10 were surveyed by David Watts in 1785 and returns were made 
by him to the Surveyor-General 12 Feb. 1786. A map of the dis- 
trict was made from the returned surveys by direction of Surveyor- 
General Lukens, upon the margin of which are the following legend 
and certificates: — 

"A draught of the Surveys 
JlJade in 
District No. 10 of the Donation Lands by David Watts, Deputy 
Surveyor of said Diftrict as returned by him into the Surveyor 
Geni. Office 

February 12'" 1786 

Protracted from a scale of 200 perches to an Inch 

Magnetic Yariation." 

"Surv. Gen>. Office, Aug. 21, 1786. 
" The above Draught is constructed from and compared with the 
Original returns remaining in my Office. 

" Jn° Lukens, S. G." 

"Surveyor General's Office Septemher 23, 1834. 
" I certify that the above draft is a copy of the Original made in. 
conformity with an act of Assembly passed 16^'' Februarj^, 1833. 

" Jacob Spangler, S. G. " 

" This District is boanded North by the Northern Boundaries of 
the State.'' 

The Donation Lands were set apart by a proclamation of Governor 
Mifflin in which the boundaries are described thus : " Beginning at 
the Mouth of Mogulbughtiton* Creek thence up the Allegany 
Kiver to the mouth of Conawaga Creek thence due North to ^he 
Northern Boundary of this State thence West by the said Boul^ 1- 
ary to the North West Corner of the State thence South by tl e 
Western Boundary of the State to the North-West Corner of Lands 
appropriated for discharging depreciation Certificates and thence by 
the same Lands to the place of Begirming." f 

The proclamation is dated 24 April, 1789. 

After the present State line was ran and the Holland Land Com- 
' pany eonnnenced its surveys in New York, many of these Donation 
warrants were found to be in the State of New York. 

John Cochran, Deputy Surveyor of Erie county, Pennsylvania, 
was directed by the Surveyor-General to examine into the interference. 

Sketch No. 5 exhibits the situation as he found it 

* Mahoning Creek. f Penn.Pbysick. MSS., iv, 284. 



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Ko. 71.] 75 

Among tlie papers formerly in the possession of the late Jacob 
Fatzin«»er, Jr., now deposited witli the Historical Society of Pennsyl- 
vania, is a large map in pencil, much dilapidated, evidently a compi- 
lation by George Palmer from his surveys along the Delaware river 
and in the north-eastern part of Pennsylvania. It shows that a line 
west of the Susquehanna below Great Bend, had been surveyed, the 
miles being numbered from the west, terminating at the left bank of 
the river at a beech 3G miles and 20G perches. The west 
portion of the map is torn off, so that the starting point does not 
appear, but it was doubtless at the Susquehanna river east of 
Waverly. This line bears the legend, " S. 87 E. supposed to be 
at or near the Northern Boundary of Pennsylvania." Xew York 
and Pennsylvania are each designated " Province,'' Indicating that the 
map may have been made before or during the Revolution. The 
line here shown may have been run by the Proprietaries at the close 
of the Revolution as a temporary limit to their warrant surveys. 
When it was done, or by whom, is unknown, as no field-notes or 
other memoranda relating to it have been found. It was probably 
a short distance south of the present line as at one point in the north- 
west part of Susquehanna county, an old line about a quarter of a 
mile south of, and nearly parallel with the Boundai'y, has long been 
known as the '' Old State Line." 

The second tier of warrants south of the Boundary in Susquehanna 
county, Penn., west of the Susqueiuxnna river were evidently l)ased 
upon this line, as the warrants which were surveyed in 17S4-5, are 
in each case, for over twenty miles, bounded on the north by the 
"State of New York." This tier of warrants bounded thus, has 
been traced into the eastern part of Bradford county. 

The early surveys of the lands south of the Susquehanna river, in 
Broome and Tioga counties, were also based upon a temporary line 
partly run in 177-i or 1775, by Robert Lettis Hooper, upon which, at 
the west end adjoining the river, he laid out a British Military Land 
Warrant, which, with several tracts east of it laid out (upon paper) 
in 178G,* were found in 1810, to encroach upon Pennsylvania lands. 
It is hardly ])robable that this line was identical with that shown 
upon George Palmer's map. It terminated on the left baidc of the 
Susquehanna, at its w-estern extremity, at " a Birch tree marked on 
two sides with three Kotches a blaze above them," nearly a mile 
below the present boundary. At its eastern extremity at the mid- 
dle intersection of the Susquehanna river, it was probably north of 
the present line. 

Deputy Survej'or William Maclay, who was one of the commis- 
sioners appointed by the General Assembly of Pennsylvania in 1783,f 
in 1784 or 178.5 ran a line, which he designated as the " Temporary 
line of the State," across the Susquehaima Valley and Chemung 
Flats in the north part of the present county of Bradford. This 
line is from one-half to five-eighths of a mile south of the present 

* See chapter upon " Early Land Surveys." f Penn. Arch., x., 130. 



\ 



76 [Senate 

boundary, and forms the north line of the tract of " Northumber- 
land Lottery" warrants, laid out by him in 1785. And for three 
or four miles across and near the Tio<^a Valley near milestone 90. 
Maclay is known to have run in 1785 what ho designated in the surv^ey 
of two large warrants, the "Temporary line of York State," which 
was apparently a trifle north of the present line. The presumption 
is that he, under his appointment as commissioner, ran this tempo- 
rary line through from one river to the other. How much further 
west he ran is unknown. A couple of warrajits M'e-e laid out in 

1785, in the vicinity of milestone 100, whieh- were probably based 
upon a continuation of this line. 

Maclay's line was continued east of the Susquehanna river, but 
was never used as a base line for warrant surveys, unless the line 
through the north-east part of Bradford and north-west part. of Sus- 
quehanna counties, referred to above, was a prolongation of this line. 
Maclay's line may be the line indicated upon the George Palmer map. 

Thus it seems that attempts were made to locate the eastern 90 or 
100 miles of the Boundary before the States were ready to act. 

Survey of 1786-7. 

Although the commissioners of the two States were appointed early 
in 17S5, in consequence of the engagement of the conmiissioners 
from Pennsylvania, upon the western boundary of that State, it was 
summer in 1786 before they were ready for operations on this 
Boundary. No field-notes or diary relating to their preparations or 
the survey itself have ever been found, and all the information we 
have relating to their operations is contained in their brief formal 
reports and a few letters. 

Andrew Ellicott, \vho had been associated with Messrs. Ritten- 
liouse and Porter upon the survey of the western boundary, as a 
commissioner for Virginia, had been appointed an additional com- 
missioner on the part of Pennsylvania for the siuwey ot the north.ern 
boundary, and upon 3 April, 1786, Mr. Rittenhouse wrote him, 
"By direction of Council I wrote some time ago to the gentlemen 
appointed by the State of New York for running the northern 
boundary of this State. I have received their answer; which is, 
that they will meet us at Philadelphia on the 20th of this month, 
in order to concert measures for carrying that business into execu- 
tion. It will be necessary for you to attend, and I shall confidently 
expect you — 'till then, I must defer many things I have to say to 
and settle with you : perhaps copying the Nautical Almanack may 
wait until I see you. Hurry of business will not permit me to add 
more."* Mr. Ellicott's connnission was not issued until 16 June, 

1786, and was signed by the Hon. Charles Biddle, Vice-President 
of the Supreme Executive Council. 

When the commissioners commenced operations in the field, we 
have no information, but a letter from Ellicott to his wife was writ- 

V * Barlon's Mem. of Rittenhouse, p. 239. 



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No. 71.] 77 

ten from the "Banks of the Susquehannali, August 6"', 1786.'" Ac- 
cording to Ellicott's letter to Robert Patterson, quoted eUewhere, 
their iii-st observations for latitude at this point were made upon the 
night of 21 July. 

In 1 786, ninety miles were completed, as appears from the re- 
port wliicli is signed by Ellicott, Clinton and DeWitt, and is as fol- 
lows : 

"We tlie subscribers being appointed Commissioners agreeably 
to Laws severally Enacted by the Legislatures of the commonwealth 
of Tonnsylvania, and the State of New York, for the purpiise of 
running and marking a Boundary Line between the said States, to 
begin at the River Delaware in forty two Degrees N'orth Latitude, 
and to continue in the same Parallel of fortj' two Degrees, to the 
western Extremity of the sd. States, — Have in conformitj- to our 
appointment finished ninety miles of the sd. Boundary, extending 
from the River Delaware to the Western side of the South Branch 
of the Tioga River, and marked the same with substantial mile 
stones. Witness our Hands and seals, this twelfth day of October 
in the year one thousand seven hundred and Eighty six, 1786."* 

Commissioners Clinton and DeWitt transmitted to Governor 
Clinton of New York, a copy of the report with the following let- 
ter dated December I, 17SG: 

" Sir By virtue of our Commission and agreably to the Act of 
the Legislature made for that purpose we have in conjunction with 
the Commissioners appointed on the ])art of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania run and marked the Jurisdiction Line between the 
said Connnonwealth and this State on the Latitude of forty two 
Degi'ees from the Delaware to the South Branch of the Tioga River 
comprehending ninety Miles as will appear by the Instrument of 
writing signed by the said Connnissioners and herewith inclosed to 
your Excellency. 

" We have to observe that the accuracy which a work of such im- 
portance demands and the difficulty of transporting provisions to a 
distant part tlirough an uninhabited Country has augmented the ex- 
pertsc to a sum higher than wdiat we at first apprehended, altho' we 
trust that by our accounts it will appear that the greatest CEconomy 
has been observed, and that, if it shall be deemed necessary for this 
State to prosecute the business the next season in conjunction with 
Pennsyh^ania a farther supply by the Legislature for the purpose 
will be requisite. 

" The Commissioners of Pennsylvania are directed by a Law of 
that State to continue the running of the Line even if New York 
should omit to co-operate with tliem.''f 

Of the operations in 1787 we have a few more details, although 
even these are quite meager. Andrew EUicott and Andrew Porter 
acted as commissioners for Pennsylvania, and Abraham Harden- 
bergh and William W. Morris for New York. Mr. Rittenhouse 

*Penn. Arch., xi, 522. f Clinton MSS., xxi, 5790. 



78 [Senate 

being engaged in settling the boundary between Massachusetts and 
New York was unable to continue actively upon this Boundary, al- 
though he retained his position as a commissioner. 

March 15, 1787, the Governor of Pennsylvania addressed a note 
to Governor Clinton of New York, as follows : 

"I have the honor to inform your Excellency, that as the Season 
for resuming the business of the partition line between this State 
and that of New York is now fast approaching, The Commissioners 
of this State have it in instruction to communicate with the Com- 
missioners of yours upon the measures which must necessarily be 
Concerted previously to their setting off, and that for this purpose 
will attend at New Yoi*k on the 25tli day of this month." * 

Simeon De Witt, in a communication to Governor Clinton, 27 
March, transmits, "the particulars of the accounts of Expenses 
incurred in running and marking the Jurisdiction Line between this 
State and Pennsylvania the general heads of which have already 
been exhibited to your Excellency I exj^ected to have had in my 
power to present them earlier but the authenticated accounts from 
the Pennsylvania Gentlemen which Mr. Rittenhousc informs me 
have been sent by the post a considerable time ago have never come 
to hand.f This has obliged me to make a Jorney to Philadelphia. 

* Penn. Arch., xi, 125. 
f This bill of expenses covers four foolscap pages. The following abstract, 
with a few of the items given in full : 

"The State op New York 

To James Clinton and Simeon De Witt, Dr : 
" Forone half of the expense ace'' of the Commissioners from New 

York and Pennsylvania in running the Jurisdiction Line £669„16„ 3 

"Abraham Hardenbergh's wages as Surveyor from the 12 June 1786 

to the 2'' Nov. 144 days at 24*\ per Day 172, ,16,, 

" John Thorntons wages as Commissary from the 18 June to the 28 

October, 4 months & 10 days, @ £12 per month 52,,00„ 

" 2 Horsemans & 2 Soldiers Tents ; 30,, 5,, — 

"Medicine 4,, 4„ 9 



929,, 2„— 

" Simeon De Witt's wages as Commissioner from the 6 July to the 28 
Oct'. 115 days and 15 days going to Philadelphia returning and 
procuring the necessaries last Spring, in the whole 130 days at 40«. 
per day 260., 0,, 

" Expense to Philadelphia lately 61,, 4,, 1 

"James Clintons wages as Commissioner 

" N. B. General Clinton not being in town and the precise number of 
davs he served not known his charge for wages is left blank. 

" Or. By Cash from the Treasury £100„00„00 

" Account of Articles purchased and Incidental Expenses for running the Juris, 
diction Line between the States of New York & Pennsylvania by the Commis. 
sioners of New York " * * * 

Then follows a long list of bills for supplies and transportation itemized in 
detail, amounting to £326,,16,,10. Among the items of supplies were 5^ barrels 
(32 gallons each) of Rum, 2 barrels of Spirits and a half barrel of Brandy. 

" General Clintons expense ace'" amounted to £46„12„1. This included thetrav. 
eliug expensee of 8 men. 



No. 71.] 79 

The provisions and expences were by mutual agreement made a 
common Charge by which I am persuaded they have come lower 
than otherwise they would have done. The Commissioners of Penn- 
sylvania are directed by the Executive Council to enter again on the 
business as soon as the season will admit. They are preparing ac- 
cordingly to commence by the first of June and expect the coopera- 
tion of this State. 

" Enclosed is likewise an Estimate delivered by them of the prin- 
cipal necessaries that will be required for the ensuing season which 
it is supposed will finish the Line. The remoteness of the place 
from the inhabited Country and the difficulty of transporting heavy 
articles through the Wilderness will make this seasons work more 
expensive than the last and a suflicient supply of money will be 
wanted for the purpose. The duties of my ofnce will not permit me 
to leave it this summer it will therefore become necessary to have 
some other Gentleman appointed in my room as a Commissioner. 

" I shall only farther observe that Pennsylvania has a Purveyor 
appointed to purchase the Stores superintend the Conveyance of 
them and have every necessary in order so that the Commissioners 



" Mr De Witts Expence Bill " was 






£18-3-9 


" Cap' Hardenberglis Expenses " 






5-4-1 


" The mens account at 8 
Thomas King, from June 6 to Nov. 1, 4 mc 

Mathew Dennison 13 

David Clark Do 


Dollars per month 

)nths, 24 days .... 

M. 

Oct. 23 4 

Do 4 

Do 4 

Do 4 

Do 4 

Do 4 

14 4 

Nov. 15 5 

Oct. 2S 4 

Do 4 

Do 4 

Do 4 

Do 4 

Do 4 

Do 4 


D. 
12 
12 

12 
12 
12 
12 

3 

3 
10[.' 
10 

8 

8 

8 

8 

8 


£15- 7^ 

14- 1-6 
14- 1-6 


B. Carney Do 

J. Patterson Do 


14- 1-6 
14- 1-6 


Geo Tavlor Do 


14- 1-6 


Andrew Gault Do 

A. Hains Do 

Jno. Belknap Do 

D'' Bosworth Do 

J* Morrow Do 


14- 1-6 
13- 2-6 
16- 6-6 

}ic.\ 13-17-4- 
13-17-4 


Eleazer Church Do 

George Church Do 

Robert Shannon Do 


13-13— 
13-13— 
13-13— 


John Wemp Do 

Andrew Thompson Do 

Do Blacksmith's work 


13-13— 

13-13— 

1- 4— 


" Deduct 4 mens wages for 22 days in Y' s 




~ 


226- 9-0 
9- 7-9 


from June 25 to October 28 
Days 




" Hendrick Wemp's wages as interpreter \ 
at 10 Dollars per month 4 months & 2 

" Moses DeWitta wages as an additional Si 
to 22' October, 75 days at 2 Dollars p( 

" Two pack-horses & Bridles «&° ... 


217- 1-3 
16- 8-0 


irveyor from the 9"^ 
!r day 


August 


60- 0-« 
13- 10— 






- 


' £704- 6-1" 



From this account it seems that New York paid upon the cost of surveying the 
first 90 miles of the Line (not including Gen. Clinton's " wages") $4,750.27. 



80 [Senate 

have no time to loose from tlieir peculiar employment by making 
the previous arrangements and continually attending to them. This 
I mention in order tliat it may be considered wJiethcr a similar ap- 
pointment M'ith us would not be productive of CEconomy." "" 

In consequence of Mr. De Witt's f inability to act as Commis- 
sioner, the New York Legislature, 21 April, 1TS7, passed an Act 
supplementary to the act of March 7, 1785, which provided, " That 
it shall be lawful for the Person administring the Government of the 
State for the Time being, by and with the Advice of the Council 
of Appointment, to appoint and commission ucider the Great Seal 
of tills State, one or more Commissioners to continue the running 
ont, marking and ascertaining the Line of Jurisdiction between this 
State and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the lloom of 
such of the Commissioners appointed by virtue of the Act entitled, 
An A.ci for running out and tnarking the Jurisdiction Line he- 
tween this State and the Coramonwealth of Pennsylvania, as shall 
have resigned, declined the office, be sick or unable to attend the 
same. And that the Commissioners so appointed or such tico^ and 
not more than tftree of them as the Commissioners of the Land 
Office shall direct, are hereby authorized on the Part of this State 
to meet such Person or Persons, who may have been or shall be 
authorized and appointed on the Part of the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylv^ania aforesaid."" X 

Under this law William W. Morris was appointed commissioner 
in Mr. De Witt's place, 3 May, 1787, and Abraham ILirdenbergh 
was designated in place of James Clinton. Capt. llardenbergh 
had been the surveyor for the New York Commissioners the pre- 
vious year. 

April G, 1787, Mr. Ellicott wrote as follows upon the preparations 
necessary to be made for tiie summer's work to Mr. Biddle: 

" I have arranged my affairs in this state, and intend setting out 
for Philadelphia on the last of this month to assist in making such 
preparations as may be thought necessary to compleat the northern 

*Cliutoa Papers, MfeS.. xxi, 5841. 

f Siineoa De Witt was bora iu Ulster county, New York, 25 December, 1756 
He received a fine education at Queens College, from which he graduated iu 
1776. He joiued the army under Gen. Gates and was present at the surrender 
of Burgoyne. He was Assistant Geographer of the United States army from 
1778 to 1780 and Qeographer-in-Chief to 1783, and was with the army at the sur- 
render of Cornwallis. He was appointed Surveyor-General of New York 13 
May and held the position until his death. During his service most of the lands 
in the northern and western portions of the State were laid out under his direc- 
tion. Among these lands was the Military Tract, to the townships of which Mr. 
De Witt gave the names of classical military heroes. On 1796 Mr. De Witt was 
offered the position of Surveyor-General of the United States, but declined it. 
He was appointed a Regent of the University 13 March, 1798, was chosen Vice 
Chancellor of the University 3 February, 1817. and Chancellor 24 March, 1829. 
He published a fine map of the State of New York in 1804; and prepared a very 
detailed atlas of the State, showing the land subdivisions in each county, which 
was published in 1829. Mr. De Witt was a member of many literary and scien- 
tific societies. He died at Ithaca, 3 December, 1834. 

J Laws of 1787, chap. ciii. 



No. 71.] 81 

boundary this ensuing summer. In tlie mean time it may be ad- 
visable for Mr. William Ai'rastrong to procure the pack-Horses that 
may be M^antiug, and make the other preparations for conveying our 
Instruments, &c., to Middletown, From that Gentleman's exertions 
last season, I am induced to place much confidence in him this. 
The Seneca Chiefs who attend on behalf of their nation, will expect 
two rifled Guns, I remember speaking to you on this subject last 
fall." * 

And again upon 16 April, " This day two weeks I shall set out 
for Philadelphia to attend on the northern boundary, and do think it 
highly necessar}^ that everything should be done by the commissary 
that we may be enabled to set out for Middle Town by the 7tli day of 
May next. I have procured Horses for myself, in consequence of 
which I have been under the necessity of drawing upon Mr. Ritten- 
house for the sum of sixty pounds, which I desire you would instruct 
him to pay ; the draught is at sixteen days sight, and therefore not 
payable 'till after I shaU have the pleasure of seeing you in Phila- 
delphia." f 

The final Peport of the commissioners signed by Messrs. Ellicott, 
Porter, Harden bergh, and Morris, is as follows: 

" We the subscribers being commissioned agreeably to Laws sever- 
ally enacted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the state of 
NeM' York for the purpose of running and markuig a Boundary 
Line between the said States in the parallel of Forty-Two Degrees 
of North Latitude beginning at the River Delaware and extending 
to a meridian Line drawn from the South West Corner of the Com- 
monwealth of Pennsylvania. 

" Have in conformity to our appointments extended the said Line 
from the ninetieth Mile Stone to Lake Erie, and marked the same 
in a lasting and permanent manner by Milestones or posts surrounded 
by mounds of earth where stones could not be procured. The 
Stones at the several points where Latitude was determined are 
large and well marked, and contain on the south side Pennsylvania 
Latitude 42* N. 1787, also the variation of the magnetic needle. 
On the North side New York and their several distances from the 
River Delaware. 

" Witness our Hands and Seals this Twenty ninth day of October, 
One Thousand seven Hundred and Eighty seven." :j: 

This report was transmitted to Gov. Clinton by the New Yo.ik 
commissioners with the following letter dated 21 Dec, 1787 : 

"We have the honor of herewith transmitting to your Excellency 
the Joint Report of the Commissioners of the State of New York 
and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, respectively appointed, to 
' run out and mark the Jurisdiction Line ' between those States ; 
together with a Geographical Map§ of the Line and -'» ?S4 '^^I'V adja- 
■'^^'b,'* — '■ — 



* Penu. Arch., xi, 134, 135. t Peuii. Arch., xi, 526. 

t Mem, xi, 140. 

§ Portfolio Maps No. 167 and 303 in office of Secretary of State Albany. Also 
Penu. Arch., xi. 

[Sen. Doc. No. Tl.] 11 



82 [Senate 

cent ; as also an account of the Expenditures which this State has 
incurred in the prosecution of the business the last season — We 
trust that on an accurate Inspection of this account it will appear 
that it has been comjDleated with as much CEconomy as could have 
been expected from the distance at which the business commenced 
and the Expences which necessarily attend extensive Land Transpor- 
tation, especially tlu-oiigh a wilderness — 

" The delineations on the Map have been done with as much ac- 
curacy, as attention to the Observatory and other matters more im- 
mediately relative to the Line would admit of, and no part of the 
Country'has been laid down thereon but M^iat has either undergone 
actual Measurement or Observation. 

" Throughout the whole of this business the Line has been deter- 
mined at distances of not more than Thirty two nor less than Twenty 
miles, by Latitude deduced from a course of Astronomical Observa- 
tions with a Sector of upwards of Five feet Radius accurately con- 
structed for the purpose, on Six principal Stars the places of which 
are well ascei'tained, and no Observation has been taken into the 
Account which differs materially more than four seconds from a 
mean of the other Observations at the same position — 

" Thus prepared, and from having constantly observed those pre- 
cautions we are encouraged to assure your Excellency that no error 
of more than half a Second of a Degree equal to Fifty and an half 
Feet could possibly have been committed at the Points where the 
Latitude was so determined." ""'i 

Commissioner Porter f thus briefly announced to the Pennsyl- 
vania Executive Council the completion of the boundary from 
Philadelphia, 28 November, 

" I have the pleasure to inform Council that we have compleated 
the Northern boundary Line of this State ; Enclosed you have our 
Keport. A Draught of the Line will be compleated in a few weeks 
& delivered to Council." 

Andrew EUicott, 19 Dec, in that year, addressed the Executive 
Council of Pennsylvania, as follows : 

* Clinton MSS., xxi, 5924. 

\ Gen, Andrew Pokter's father, Robert Porter, emigrated to America from 
Ireland in 1720, and settled in the present Worcester township, Montgomery 
county, Penn, Hon. Andrew Porter, one of his nine sons, was born 24 Sept,, 1743. 
He early showed a taste for mathematics, and although apprenticed as a carpenter, 
his father determined on fitting him for the occupation of schoolmaster. t3ecom- 
ing acquainted with Dr. Ritteuhouse, the latter was so satisfied with young Por- 
ter's attainments that he advised him to move to Philadelphia and open a mathe- 
matical school, which he did in the spring of 1767. He conducted the school with 
success until 1776, when he suspended it to enter the service of his country. He 
had 10 March, 1767, married Elizabeth McDowell, by whom he had five children. 
She died 9 April, 1773, and 20 May he married Elizabeth Parker by whom he had 
eight children.^ In 1776, 19 June, Congress commissioned him captain of marines. 
He was soon ali,^ "transferred to the artillery as captain. In 1782 he was pro- 
moted to the mapirity of the Fourth Regiment of Artillery in place of Major Eust- 
ace, whom he had killed in a duel. Eustace had grossly insulted him and was chal- 
lenged. The duel took place 18 April, 1781, and Eustace was killed instantly. 
Capt, Porter was tried by court-martial and acquitted, and the Supreme Esecutive 



No. 71.] 83 

" Having been concerned in running all the Astronomical Bounda- 
ries of the Commonwealth, and possessed of all the observations, 
(which are very numerons) used in determining the different limits 
of the State. In mj opinion now the business is compleated, it will 
be necessary to have some record, or rathej* a publication of the 
Observations, together with the methods that were pursued on that 
occasion ; not only for the satisfaction of the parties concerned, but 
also for the advantages which the science of Astronomy may derive 
from such a publication. I shall be happy in having a conference 
with any Gentlemen of your Body on this subject, and have no 
doubt but it may be made advantageous both to the State and to 
your H'bl Servt., 

"AND'W. ELLICOTT. 

"P. S. I will undertake arranging the Astronomical Observa- 
tions by which the boundaries of the State were determined, and 
also add such Observations as we have made on the Soil and Natural 
History of the country thro' which we passed, for the sum of £150, 
hard Money, or the value thereof in Paper, one half of the money 
to be advanced, and the other half to be paid when the work is 
finished — the work to be the property of the State, and ready for 
publication on or before the first day of June next."* 

An economical spirit doubtless pervaded the Supreme Executive 
Council at that date, and that Mr. Ellicott M'as not encouraged to 
carry out his intention of putting his observations on paper for the 
benefit of the pubUc as no document of the kind has ever been found, 
among the archives of Pennsylvania, or among his private papers. 

In the year 1806 the late Dr. Pratt endeavored, by extended cor- 
respondence with government and State ofiicials and descendants of 
Mr. Ellicott, to ascertain if any of his notes or memoranda relating 
to the New York and Pennsylvania boundary (more especially 
relating to the Meridian Boundary) were in existence. The 
researches were in a great measure fruitless. The correspondence 
on the subject is given in full in volume I of the Regents' Bound- 
Council of Pennsylvania immediately promoted him with rank from the day after 
the duel. He was afterward promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and colonel of the 
Fourth Regiment, which rank he held when the army was disbanded. He was 
attached to Gen. James Clinton's brigade, and accompanied him in his descent of 
the Susquehanna river to join Sullivan in 1779. After the clo.se of the war he 
retired to his farm, and in 1784 was engaged as commissary with the commission 
for extending Mason and Dixon's line; and in 1785-6 was a commissioner for run- 
ning the western boundary of Pennsylvania. In 1787 he acted in the same capac- 
ity upon the New York and Pennsylvania boundary. In 1800 he was appointed 
one of the commissioners to settle the controversies between the Connecticut set- 
tlers and Pennsylvania claimants in Luzerne county, but resigned soon after. The 
same year he was commissioned brigadier-general of Pennsylvania militia, and 
shortly afterward was promoted to major-general. April, 1809, he was appointed 
Surveyor-General of Pennsylvania, in which position he served until his death, 
which took place at Harrisburg 16 Nov., 1813. Porter's Journal, kept while 
engaged in the survey of the western boundary of Pennsylvania, is printed iu No. 
3, vol. iv of the Pennsylvania Magazine of History. 

*Peim, Aich., xi, 316. 



84 [Senate 

aiy Report, pages 316-329. In one of the letters from Mr. John 
A. McAllister of Philadelphia, occurs the following statement: 
" I am under the impression that some of the papers of Andrew 
Ellicott were in the possession of the late Peter S. Du Ponceau, for 
many years President of the American Philosophical Society, Mr. 
D. died in this city in 1844 — his papers became the j)roperty of his 
son-in-law, Garesche, and after his decease passed into the hands of 
a daughter of the latter, who contrary to my ni'gent wishes, sold the 
greater part of them to a rag dealer. I managed to secure a few of 
them, & Mr, Kline our Autograph dealer also some. Mr. D. was a 
great collector of Maps, Surveys & other documents relating to 
lands in your State. His position as Secretary to Mr, Livingston, & 
as an attorney for foreignei's residing here or abroad, gave him an 
opportunity for gathering together material of that character. Mr. 
D. may have presented some of these matters to the ' American 
Philosophical Society.' " 

Hon, J. C, G. Kennedy, a grandson of Mr. Ellicott, says: "And"^ 
Ellicott always preserved remarkably full notes of all his services." 
We can only infer that the cupidity of a thouglitless woman induced 
her to barter away a mass of invaluable memoranda, to increase her 
stock of tinware.* 

Details of Operations and Incidents in 1Y86-7. 

Were such a report as he proposed to make to the Executive Coun- 
cil to be found, it would unquestionably furnish us a much better 
idea of the methods employed and instruments used by the original 
surveyors in running this line. 

Almost the only information on the subject is contained in a com- 
munication addressed 2 April, 1795, to Robert Patterson, by Mr. Elli- 
cott. This paper is preserved in the Transactions of the American 
Philosophical Society,f and opens with this brief introductory sen- 
tence : " I herewith present you with a considerable number of Astro- 
nomical Observations, which, you will observe, were generally made on 
some very important occasions." Then follow several pages relating 
to the extension of the southern line of Pennsjdvania, and running 
the western line of that State, giving all the astronomical observa- 
tions taken for the purpose of determining the positions of these 
hues, and especially the position of the south-west corner of the 
State. 

He then remarks, in" a preliminary way, " The state of Pennsyl- 
vania is bounded on the north by the 42" of north latitude. This 
line extends from a point on the Delaware, (which was fixed by Dr. 
Rittenhouse and Capt. Holland in the year 1774,) and extends west 
to Lake Erie. It was completed in the years 1786 and 1787. In 
order to carry on the parallel of latitude with as much expedition 

* See note on this subject under the head of "Original Surveys "on the Merid- 
i:in Boundary. 

[ Trans. (1st Series), iv, 39. 



'No. 71.] 85 

and economy as possible, we dispensed with tlie method of tracing 
a hne on an ai-c of a great circle, and correcting into a parallel as 
pursued by Messrs. Mason and Dixon, in determining the bound'ary 
between this state, and the state of Maryland, and which we fol- 
lowed in completing their line in the year 1784. We commenced 
our operations by running a guide line west, with a surveyino- com- 
pass from the point mentioned on the Delaware 20J miles and 
there corrected by the foUowing zenith distances taken at its western 
termmation by a most excellent sector, constructed, and executed by 
Dr. Rittenhouse," and follows with detailed notes of observations 
and results along the entire Parallel Boundary. A^'othing farther is 
said of the metliods employed or the instruments used. So far as it 
relates to this Boundary, the letter presents simply a mass of astro- 
nomical data. By the dates given in the letter and the meager con- 
temporary information which has been obtained, we are able to trace 
the original commissioners in their progress upon the line. 

The iirst run of 20^ [20|] miles brought them to the right bank 
of the Susquehanna below Great Bend, "in the latter part of July, 
1786. They were engaged at this point upon astronomical observa- 
tions, which are given in full in the letter, fi-oni 21 July to 5 Au- 
gust.* The results from these observations showed that they were 
l'\S, or 738 feet, too far south. The correction was made and the 
First Latitude Stone, which was marked " 20 M 29 ch, Yar 3° 32' 
West,-' was set to mark the point. " The guide line was corrected 
back to the Delaware," in what manner is unknown. It was prob- 
ably done by measuring computed offsets from the mile points in 
their random line and setting the milestones at the new points thus 
fixed. It is hardly probable that they undertook to re-run any of 
the intervals between their correction stations. 

It was from this station, on the banks of the Susquehanna, that 
Mr. Ellicott wrote as follows to his wife, under date of 6 August 
1786, " at 10 o'clock at night : " — * ' 

" Mj dear, Being determined ro omit no opportunity of writing 
to you, I now embrace one with pleasure, nay with more 
than pleasure, because it recalls to my mind the happiness I 
enjoy when at Home in my domestic situation — I have 
just returned from attending divine service of the Indians in their 
camp — This Mall appear no doubt strange to you, but stranger 
yet^ when I assure you that I have found more true religion and 
Christianity among them, than with the white inhabitants on the 
frontier ; they are of the church of England and have the service 
complete in their own Language -they sing psalms to admii-ation ; 
much superior to the Dutch Methodists in Baltimore. Pray do nut 
fail informing our frien d Dr. West of this circumstance — The In- 

*In a foot-note Mr. Ellicott here remarks: " At this Station a number of obser- 
vations were rejected, on account of iheir disagreement, which we fortunately 
discovered was owing to the atmosphere being affected by the numerous fires we 
kept up to keep off the flies, musketoes, and gnats, which are very troublesome 
in that part of the Country." 



86 [SEJSfATE 

dian town of Shanang* is about 12 miles from onr present position. 
The head Sachem with his family have been with us many days — 
he has a daughtei' by the name of Sally and a niece who lives with 
us, and share in all our amusements such as cards, and draughts, 
commonly called checkards — Commissioner DeWitt has taken a pic- 
ture of the daughter which I intend to have coppied large by Billy 
West — So mucli at present on account of the Indians — our busi- 
ness goes on very well — the New York Commissioners are agreeable 
and judicious gentlemen, which contributes not a little to render our 
situation as agreeable as could be expected — but as agreeable as 
they are I nevertheless dread the de])arture of my good friend Mr. 
Rittenhouse whose abilities and industry give me much leisure at 
present — but as great as his abilities and industry may be, his other 
qualities still go beyond them — We have our health very "well but I 
have frequently found the gout troublesome, and without ever com- 
plaining quietly submit to almost daily attacks — I am so very busy 
with tlie stars this night that I neither have time to coppy this or 
even read it after it is written — many particulars I shall write when 
Mr. Rittenhouse returns. Pray remember me to my good friends in 
Baltimore — and believe me with devout prayers for your welfare 
and the health of little ones to be. Your affectionate & Loving- 
Husband. 

" AND'W ELLICOTT."t 

Dr. Rittenhouse also wrote a long letter to his wife from this 
point upon the same date, from which we extract tlie following : 

" It is six long weeks since I have had thehappniess of seeing you 
or hearing from you ; and this is the first opportunity I have had 
of conveying a letter to you, since I left Wyoming. As I cannot 
hope to receive a line from you until we approach nearer to the habit- 
able world, my next greatest pleasure is to inform you of tlie favour- 
able state of my health; this pleasure is indeed damped in some de- 
gree, by my fears that you will not give full credit to what I say, 
though I mean to bide strictly by the truth. The liead-ach has been 
unknown to me, almost ever since I left you ; my cough, though 
much better is not quite removed ; and I have no other complaint, 
except that which will never leave me in this world : this, however, 
far from being worse than usual, is certainly something less trouble- 
some ; which I attribute to my being more at liberty to use mode- 
rate exercise, and less exposed to summer heats than I should be at 
home. This seems to be a diffei-ent climate from that you are in ; the 
weather is constantly cool, but not cold. We are at present situated 
on a pleasant bank of the Susquehanna, about fifteen miles above the 
mouth of the Chenango, one of the principal branches of this river. 
From this place to Middletown in Lancaster county, is, by estima- 

* This town was npon the site of the present city of Bingham ton. It is desig- 
nated "Otsiningoo" on Guy Johnson's map 1768, and "Ofewingo" on Evans' 
map 1755. Dr. Rittenhouse spells it " Chenango." 

f Regents' Rep't on Boundaries, i, 263. 



No. 71.] 87 

tion, 270 miles along the river : much of the road is very bad, so 
that we had a tedious journey. 

" At Chenango, there are a few Indian families settled, amount- 
ing to forty souls. Some of these people frequently visit us, and 
bring us tish and venison ; in return for which, they are very 
desirous to have flour or salted provisions : and we live in the greatest 
harmony with them. Five or six days ago, one of the Onondaga 
Sachems with his family came up in tliree canoes, and encamped in 
the evening, just below us. Next morning, we received a message 
from them, requesting an audience for two young ladies of the 
family. To this, a proper answer was returned (General Clinton 
having prudently brought an interpreter with him,) and at the time 
appointed they were introduced to us in our tent imattended by any 
other Indians. After a draught of punch, and a decent silence, our 
visitors were told that we were ready to hear what they had to say. 
The eldest of the two, a fine girl of about twenty, and extremely 
well dressed, with a becoming modesty made a short speech ; con- 
cluding with an handsome apology for acquitting herself no better, 
on account of her youth and sex. The purport of her speech was, 
that thinking it would not be disagreeable to us, they were come to 
spend a few days in our company : that they were poor, and in want 
of provisions, especially flour ; and hoped we would furnish them 
with a sn^all portion of our stores, — at least for present use, whilst 
they staid with us. We eiiicouraged them to bring us fish and other 
fresh provision ; in return for which, they should have salt meat and 
some bread. Business being over, some cheerful conversation 
ensued : and we had reason to think our interpreter went much 
further than he was warranted to do ; for he made some proposition 
which the young lady negatived strongly, though we are ignorant of 
what it was. He was then bid to assure them, that no insult should 
be offered, and that they might visit us at our tents whenever they 
pleased : to this one gentleman added, that we would treat them as 
we would our own country women. 

" It seems the old interpreter mistook the word treaty and con- 
strued it, the giving them victual and drink : in cruisequence of this 
mistake, the ladies expected to dine with us every day. They then 
departed, seeming well satisfied ; but in the afternoon we received a 
message from them, complaining that we had already broken the 
treaty, in not sending for them to dinner. To this we eent a verbal 
answer, with an apology, and letting the ladies know we should 
expect them to tea. To my great surprise, we then received a writ- 
ten note, thanking us for our kindness and promising to drink tea 
with us, — siijned, Jacoioe and Sally : it was in the Indian language, 
and written by Miss Sally herself. We now thought it our duty to 
return a written compliment likewise ; and this intercourse ended 
with a verbal message from Miss Sally, assuring us, that she 
thought herself honoured by our letter and would carefully preserve 
it. The ladies did not fail to come; and have drank tea every day, 



88 [Senate 

and sometimes dined with ns. They are cheerful and agreeable ; but 
cannot, or will not, speak one word of English. Mr. De Witt 
draws prettily, and is taking a very good picture of the young princess, 
which I hope to have the pleasure of shewing you in a few weeks. 
I have mentioned their writing, which you will be surprised at : but 
these Indians are in some measure civilized ; many of them have 
learned to read ; — they have the Common Prayer Book of the 
Church printed in their own language which is the Mohawk. The 
family now with us have several books with them ; likewise paper, 
pens, and ink. Every evening, the females jointly sing several 
religious hymns, and their music is at least equal to any of this kind 
I have heard: the old mistress is very devout, and sometimes says 
her prayers with great fervency. They are, nevertheless, still 
Indians ; and Miss Sally will sit, with all her finery about her, flat on I 
the ground for hours together, under a miserable bark shed, making! 
buckskin shoes, until her eyes are almost smoked blind ; then by way 
of relaxation, she and her cousin will step into a little tottering 
canoe, where, standing upright, they row away with incredible 
swiftness. 

" You will excuse me for entertaining you so long with an account 
of these poor wretches. But your news, and your politics, are 
almost forgotten. Still, my principal happiness is, that not only 
waking but frequently in my dreams, I feel all that esteem and af- 
fection for you, which I hope will never end. My companions are 
agreeable enough ; but as every one has his own humours, it is by 
no means a desirable thing to be cooped up in a little tent, night 
and day, for weeks together with any one. I want something to 
employ my leisure hours. This I could do by writing, but here is 
no'privacy: I am at present obliged to write badly and in a small 
hand, to prevent its being overlooked. I cannot think of taking 
my departure for Philadelpliia, until we approach nearer the inhabited 
country ; our next station but one, will be at or near Tioga, and 
from thence I shall return." '" 

From the First Latitude Stone another guide line was started 
west, probably upon the bearing deduced from the new variation 
observed (3*^ 32'). This terminated upon the Apalachin flats in 
the present borough of Little Meadows. Here upon the nights of 
17 to 21 August, they were engaged upon astronomical work, the 
results from which showed their observatory to have been 7", or 
708 feet, too far south. This correction was made and the Second 
Latitude Stone was set. Of this monument no vestige now remains. 
The same process of correcting back was gone through with and a 
new guide line was started upon the new variation (3'^ 40'), which 
was run to the left bank of the Chemung river west of the village 
of Waverly, N. Y. Here the results of their observations, which 
occu]3ied them from 1 to 10 September, showed that they had run 
3''.8 (384 feet) too far north. The correction was made and the 

* Barton's Memoirs of Rittenhouse, p. 241, etc. 



Ko. n.] 89 

Third Latitude Stone was set. The remains of this stone were 
found in 1877, and authenticated by the testimony of parties wlio 
had seen the inscription before the monument was broken down. 
It was inscribed "60 M 69 Ch." " Var. 1*^ 50^" It was replaced with 
a new monument in 1881. Dr. Rittenhouse probably left the j^arty 
at this point. 

A new random line was started west from this monument and 
was run for a distance of nearly 29 miles (the preceding intervals 
wei'e 19 or 20 miles each) to the left bank of the Tioga river upon 
the " Coy ease Flats " * where the astronomical results showed that 
they had run too far south by ■i'.8 (486 feet). They were occupied 
with their astronomical work at this point from 22 to 30 September. 
The correction was made and the Fourth Latitude Stone inscribed 
" 89 M. 53 Ch." "Yar 2'' 30' " was set. This is not now to be 
found, having been washed out by freshets in the river. At mile- 
stone 90, 27 chains west of this monument, the commissioners sus- 
pended operations in 1786 and went home. 

It is upon the section between the third and fourth stations that 
recent observations show the greatest variation from the astronomi- 
cal parallel of 42 degrees. At " Station "Waverly " the third lati- 
tude stone (about a mile west of the station) was found in 1879 to 
be 144 feet too far north, and at " Station Lawrenceville " near the 
site of the terminal station of 1786, the error was but 120+ feet to 
the north. The hue between in the reconnaissance of 1877 was 
found quite convex to the northward, varying in the center, south of 
the city of Elmira, nearly 1,000 feet to the north. 

The next season operations were resumed 11 June, at this point, 
by running a random Hne west about 19 J miles to the valley of 
Troup's Creek. Here again were observations taken for correction 
occupying them from 19 to 29 June, and it was found that they had 
run 12".4 (1255 feet) too far north. This correction was made and 
the Fifth Latitude Stone set near the bank of the creek. This 
monument was marked on the north side. 

N. YORK 
109 M & 36 ch. 
and upon the south side 

1787 
PENNS^ 
Lat42 
Yar 1° 52' Weft. 

It was undermined and broken by a freshet, and its site is now 
occupied by the bed of the stream. The upper part of the monument 
was found some forty years ago and set up in the line fence about 
800 feet west of the creek. 

While re-subdividing Township 1 of Range 3 of the Phelps and 
Gorham's Purchase, A\ . H. Bull at one point came upon the random 

*EIlicott and Porter call them in 1787, tlie " Cawwaniskee Flats." 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 12 



90 [Senate 

line of tlie original survey of this section of the Boundary, and mis- 
took it for the true line. He made this memorandum in his field- 
notes, " 30.90 marked a Hemlock tree for 144, 145 on the old pack 
horse line supposed to be the State Line through mistake, the dis- 
tance to the Pennsylvania line would be 36.54." This was between 
milestones 95 and 96. 

In the re-survey of Township 1, Range 4 ("WoodhuU, Steuben 
county), in 1792, Robert James made the following " Remarks in 6"" 
Mile West side N° 1, in 4 R." 

" 61 . 17 To an Hemlock tree marked N" 1, on North side with 
these figures 1789 blazed on the E. & W. sides also blazed on S. side 
three hacks cut therein the former Surveyor had made his corner 
here supposing it to be the Pennsylvania line but he was Mistaken 
for it is the Random line to the Pennsylvania line." 

" 76 To the Pennsy'* line marked a stake "" * * * * oi^e 
Mile & 15 Chain West of the 106 Milestone in the Pennsylvania 
Line." 

From the Fifth]Latitude Stone, a new start was taken, and a random 
line was run west into the valley of Honeoye creek, or as it was then 
called, "Owantandago Branch," about a mile east of the present 
Alma post-office. At this point the astronomical results from obser- 
vations extending from 7 to 19 July, showed that they had run too 
far north by 15", or 1518 feet. In measuring off this correction to 
fix the place for the Sixth Latitude Stone the distance carried them 
entirely out of the flats upon the very steep slope of tlie mountain. 
Here a very substantial slab of sandstone was set up which still 
remains intact. It is plainly marked on the north side : 

NEW YORK 
136 M 50 CL 
and on the south side ania 

PENNSYLV 

Lat 42° 

Yar 0° 45' W. 1787. 

In 1792, while running the west line of Township 1 of Range 5 
of the Phelps and Gorham's Purchase from the north, Thomas Djivis 
" Came to a Random line and stake set up " 5.25 chains north of the 
boundary, between milestones 116 and 117 ; the distance shows this 
to have undoubtedly been the random line run west from the Fifth 
Latitude Stone. 

Their next run took them to the Tuna valley ; and a very random 
ru7i it must have been, for when they had concluded their astro- 
nomical observations, which occupied them from 7 to 16 August, they 
found themselves 32".5, or 3290 feet, too far south. This correction 
was made and the Seventh Latitude Stone set upon the Tuna flats, a 
short distance west of the Tunanguant ('' Cheneonguaont ") creek. 
It is a very substantial monument, and stands flrmly and undisturbed. 
It is inscribed on the north side. 

N YORK 

167 m & 8 ek. 




/a 
I ^ 




Ko. 71.] 91 

aud oil the south side 

PENNS^ Lat 42 
Var 1° 30' W 1787 

111 correcting back to the starting point on this section, owing to 
tlie exceedingly rough and irregular country over which the long off- 
sets were measured, the irregularities in the random line were un- 
doubtedly reproduced in the hnal line, with variations. The section 
between the sixth and seventh latitude monuments embraces the 
most irregular portion of the Boundary, The main cause of the enor- 
mous error in running their random line here is probably an erro- 
neous variation of the needle at the Sixth Latitude Stone, where by 
some local fault, their magnetic results were about one degree too 
small. This is inferred from the fact that at the Fifth Latitude Stone, 
the variation was found to be 1° 52' and at the seventh 1° 30'. The 
mean declination would have reduced the error to a little more than 
700 feet. 

From the Tuna valley to the banks of the Kiantone creek their 
next run carried thein. Here, a short distance from the small Indian 
town of "Kyenthono," they fixed their observatory and spent the 
time from 25 August to 9 September in astronomical work and found 
that they had run 21". 3 (2,156 feet) too far north. This distance 
measured, the Eighth Latitude Stone was set upon the bluff south-east 
of the creek, 660 feet west of milestone 195, and about 9,600 feet 
west of the Conewango river. This monument stands firmly in 
place, although shattered somewhat by a fallen tree. A small slab 
split from the south side is now in the State Library at Albany. 
Sketch No. 6 is a portrait of this stone. The variation at this point 
wa3"0° 55' AV." 

While at this station Messrs. EUicott and Porter addressed the 
following informal report of progress to the Pennsylvania Council, 
dating it from " Observatorv on the west side of Conawango, 
August 29th, 1 787. 

" Gentlemen, We now take the earliest opportunity we have had 
of acquainting you with the progress we have made in the business 
which you have intrusted to us. We arrived at the Cawwaniskee 
Flats on the 11"' day of June, where the 90th milestone was sefrup 
last season — The Susquehannah was remarkably low, which prevented 
our Boats making the necessary expedition. From the 90tli mile- 
stone we sent our instruments up the TliNosa"" in Canoes about 10 
miles ;f our water-carriage then failed, and we had recourse to our 
Pack-Horses, but the ruggedness of the country at the Heads of the 
Susquehannah, Geneseeo. and Allegany Rivers, soon killed, and ren- 
dered useless about two-thirds, but fortunately for our business, wdien 
the Horses failed, we found ourselves on a small branch of the Alle- 
gany River ; necessity then pointed out the propriet}^ <yt useing water- 
carriage as much as possible, we immediately set a^out making ca- 
noes, and by the spirited exertions of our men, with no other imple- 

*Now called Cowanesqua river. f To Elkland, Tioga county, Penn. 



92 [Senate 

ments than three falling Axes, two or three Tomahawks, and a Chisel, 
1^ Inch wide, we had compleated in six days for the use of our 
Pennsylvania party 5 excellent Canoes, two of which are between 40 
and 50 feet in length. These Canoes with our Stores, Instruments, 
and baggage, we hauled 10 miles down a shallow stream* to the main 
Allegany River, our progress now began to appear less difficult, and 
we prepared to pi'oceed down the River to a proper place for correct- 
ing the random Line by astronomical observation, but the day pre- 
ceding our intended movement, we were ordered by the Indians tu 
discontinue the Line 'till after a Treaty should be held. We met 
them at the time and place appointed, explained the nature and pro- 
priety of the business we were about, and finally permitted to pro- 
ceed. We have notwithstanding these difficulties, compleated the 
Line to the 167 mile-stone from the Delaware, and expect to have 
28 miles more finished in a few days, and the fullest expectation of 
finishing the business this season in good time, if not impeded by 
some uncommon difficulty or accident. "f 

The late Judge E. T. Foote, who was for sixty years a resident of 
Jamestown, Chautauqua county, New York, in a communication 
addressed to the Regents of the University some ten years since 
upon the subject of the boundary monuments along the south line of 
that county, after referring to this subject somewhat in detail, says : 
" I derived from Esq., [Isaiah] Jones, and other pioneer settlers of 
Warren County [Penn] the following facts, 

" Andrew Ellicott, Esq., one of the Boundary Commissioners, laid 
out the present beautiful town of Warren on west [north] shore of 
the Allegany river, at the mouth of tlie Conewango river about ten 
miles from the State Line, and about fifteen miles from Seneca 
Chief Cornplanter's residence. This was about eight years after the 
State Line had been surveyed. Mr. Ellicott and his assistants re- 
lated to the pioneer settlers many incidents relative to making the 
state line survey and the erection of the 195 mile stone:}: and other 
monuments in 1787. The Commissioners were detained at the loca- 
tion of that stone in August, 1787, over one week by cloudy rainy 
weather, before they could make astronomical Observations, dm-ing 
which they prepared that monumental stone, more elaborately en- 
graved than any other on the line for a long distance. 

" It appeared from their statement that while Seneca Chief Corn- 
planter, who resided on the west shore of the Allegany River near 
the State Line, was friendly and peacefully disposed to the Survey- 
ors, yet many of his young warriors evidently had strong sympathy 
with the western tribes, and they boldly objected to surveying the 
State Line as an intrusion on their lands, and would not permit the 
Commissioners to proceed and demanded a council relative to the 
Survey on their lands. They assembled and the Commissioners 
met tnenj Cornplanter, while he tenaciously claimed that the land 
1 olt.: — "—^ 

■•'The Osw. _ -river. f Penn. Arch., xi, 178. 

^ He refers to the Eighth Latitude Stone at 195 1-8 miles. 

§ See the letter of Ellicott and Porter quoted supra. 



No. 71.] 93 

belonged to the Indians, still favored the peaceful object of the Com- 
missioners, merely to mark a boundary line of jurisdiction between 
two States friendly to them, and which in no manner changed the 
title to the lands. 

" The Indian warriors dissented and the Commissioners became 
convinced they could not peaceably proceed without obtaining their 
assent, and resorted to giving them a j^resent of rum, which led to 
the peaceful assent to proceeding with the survey. The concurrence 
of the Indians was not only necessary to protect the surveying party 
from danger, but to prevent the destniction of the line monuments 
by them 

" Again the Commissioners' supplies of provisions brought with 
them were mostly hard bread, flour, and salted or dried meats. Not 
only their appetites but their health required fresh provisions, which 
the Indians would furnish for rum when not for silver. They thus 
obtained from the Indians, fresh venison and other wild meats, tur- 
keys and other wild fowl, fresh fish, honey, green corn, and beans. 
And for like compensation the Indians would transport heavy loads 
of baggage on their backs, greatly relieving the Surveyors hands in 
the transportation of supplies and heavy baggage, as their pack-horses 
had failed." 

Running west from this point the next station was upon the 
French Creek Flats within the limits of the present village of 
Wattsburg, Erie county, Pennsylvania, between milestones 227 and 
228 and about three miles west of the present south-west corner of 
New York. Here their astronomical results from observations 
extending from 21 September to 2 October, pi-oved them too far 
north by 10".8 (1093 feet). The correction monument, if one were 
set, was doubtless washed away by freshets in the creek, as no monu- 
ment has ever been found at this point. The vai-iation here was 
0° 32' W. 

Their next run brought the commissioners to their last observa- 
tory on the banks of Lake Erie, at 259 miles 22 chains. Their 
observations here occupied from 9 to 20 October, and they found 
that they were 1".3 (131 feet) too far south. The variation noted 
October 20, 1787, was 0° 07' West. 

From this point Messrs. Ellicott and Porter addressed the follow- 
ing letter to Mr. Rittenhouse under date of October 12 : 

'''We arrived here on the 8th, and the same day began our course 
of observations, which will probably be completed in 5 or 6 days. 
The random Line passed between Le Beauf and Presque Isle about 
5 miles north of the former, and we conjecture about 6 miles south 
of the latter. Considering the unexpected difficulties we had to en- 
counter for want of a competent knowledge of the Geography of the 
Country, the death of our Horses, time taken up in making Canoes, 
and treating with the Indians, our business has gone on beyond onr 
most sanguine expectation, and without the intervention of some 
luieommon circumstance or accident will be corapleated in 14 or 15 



94 [Senate 

days. We divided the Line in such a manner as to make 6 stations 
at each of which we determined a point in the parallel of Latitnde 
b}' about 36 observations. Neither attention or exertions have ever 
been wanting on our parts towards Scientific and permanent comple- 
tion of the business entrusted to us, and the general behaviour and 
industry of our men has been such as to entitle them to our 
thanks."* 

The stars used in their operations were : a Lyne, oc Cygni, Capella, 
y Andromeda, yS Medusa? and S Cygni. Mr. Ellicott in his com- 
munication gives in detail the notes taken at each astronomical sta- 
tion, with the final results of the computations, and says at the end, 
" I have omitted the calculations, and given only the results, for the 
following reasons, ^^>'«^ they would have swelled the paper to a great 
length, secondly no difficulty can arise in making them to any person 
moderately acquainted with practical Astronomy." 

Mr. Ellicott concludes this record of the astronomical observations 
upon this boundary witli the following words : 

" The above correction being made, completed the Astronomical 
boundaries of the State of Pennsylvania. 

" My associates in tracing the north boundary of Pennsylvania 
were Dr. Rittenhouse, James Clinton, and Simeon De Wit, in the 
year 1780. The first of those gentlemen left us in the beginning of 
September. The year following my associates were Andrew Porter, 
Abraham Hardenberg, and William Morris." 

The remainder of the paper is taken up with an account of the 
survey of the outlines of the District of Columbia, and the survey 
of Washington city, with frequent notes of astronomical observa- 
tions connected therewith. 

To sIjow how much greater pains were taken to secure accuracy 
in running the outline of the District, than were observed in tracing 
the line between two great States, the farther quotation from the 
paper is made, — " These lines were measured with a chain which 
was examined and corrected daily, and plumbed whenever the 
ground was uneven, and traced with a ti-ansit and equal altitude in- 
strument which I constructed and used in running the western 
Boundary of the State of New York. This instrument was similar 
to that described by M. Le Monnier in his preface to the French 
ITistoire Celeste ; except in being accommodated to a firm portable 
triangular frame. The transit and equal altitude instrument is of 
all others the most perfect, and best calculated for running straight 
lines, and when the different verifications are carefully attended to, 
may be considered as absolutely perfect." 

From the meager details contained in the few letters and brief re- 
ports, it seems that the commissioners, in 1787, were quite expedi- 
tious in their progress, notwithstanding all the drawbacks and delays 
occasioned by the loss of pack-horses and interference of the aborig- 
ines. Perhaps the too active interest taken in their operations by the 

*Peun. Arch., xi, 204. 



No. Tl.] 95 

sons of the forest acted as an inducement for haste in their move- 
ments upon some portions of tlie hne. They were in the field from 
11 June to 29 October, and ran and marked 169^ miles of bound- 
ary, besides spending so much time at six observatory stations in as- 
tronomical work for latitude. 

As a pendent to this account of the technical work of the com- 
missioners, their commissary, William Armstrong, addressed to the 
Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania as follows, under date 
of 16 February, 1788:— 

" Gentlemen, Agreeable to the request of your Honorable Board 
I have looked over some of my notes Taken when out on the line 
last summer & find that after we Cross'd the Alligane river the last 
time, there was much of a sameness in the Country both as to Tim- 
ber & Soile on and near the line and a greater Variety of Wood on 
the same space then I ever saw in any other part, a large Proportion 
of which was Beach, Sugar maple & ash. The soile in general 
appears rich the' I believe rather Cold for some kind of grane, But 
well adapted to grass. The Country in general is midling Flat and 
level but more Particularly so on the heads or sorces of the small 
stremes, that Eraty into the alligani river, all the w^aters running 
into the Lake having a better Current & shorter distence to run. 
The high dry grounds have moderate ascents and appear Pleasant & 
very few stone to be seen on the surface, the waters of French Creek 
and the Connowonge both afford a good Boat Navigation to within 
a small distance of the Lake. I could not see that at and near the 
Lake it was more subject to Early frosts than many parts much more 
to the southward. I am of opinion that it is Equal in value to any 
Equal Quantity of land on the West side of the alligane river within 
the lines of the state, according to Information we Received from 
(Capt. Wm. Morris one of the Commissioners from the state of 
New York) that the line of session from New York to the United 
States would strike the line of our State at or near the 190 mile 
stone.* Tho' that is but matter of opinion founded on his Infor- 
mation at any rate we shall Include a large part of the Margen of 
the Lake with the only harber on it which is Priquelle."t 

It will be interesting also to know that David Rittenhouse, 3 De- 
cember, 1788, was voted by the Council of Pennsylvania "two hun- 
dred and eighty-one pounds, twelve shillings and six pence in full 
of his account for his services as a Commissioner in running and 
marking the northern boundary of this State and for several mathe- 
matical instruments purchased to enable him and the other Commis- 
sioners to perform said work.":j: 

The New York commissioners were allowed for their services by 
tlie Legislature, in the appropriation billt>, forty shillings per day. 

After settling with the State of Pennsylvania, Commissioner Por- 

* The intersection of the two lines is actually a short distance east from the 
225 mile point. 

fPenu. Arch., xi. 242-3. JPenn. Col. Rec, xv, 614. 



96 [Senate 

ter M^as sued for the value of a horse purchased for the use of the 
commissioners, which died in the service. The matter was brought 
before the Council, and, upon the recommendation of a committee, 
it was " Resolved that an order be drawn upon the Treasurer in 
favor of said Colonel Andrew Porter for the said sum of twenty 
four pounds, twelve shillings four pence agreeably to the Conijj- 
troller General's report."* 

In the account current of New York with Gerard Bancker, treas- 
urer, we find the following entries : 

£ s. d. 
1786. To Cash, to the Pennsylvania Line Commis- 
sioners 1000 

To ditto to the Pennsylvania Line Commission- 
ers 924 8 1 

1788. To Commissioners for running the Pennsyl- 
vania Line 2111 18 6 



Original Monuments. 

The rude monuments with which the original commissioners 
marked the Boundary were as varied in their size, character and ap- 
pearance as the Boundary itself is in alignment and topography. Of 
tlie original 22-i milestones, 71 per cent were found during the recon- 
naissance, nearly one-fourth of them out of place, and many of them 
in fragments or in various stages of dilapidation. It is to be pre- 
sumed that upon the western half of the line where so many vacant 
intervals were found, that at some points were set " posts surrounded 
by mounds of earth where stones could not be procured." Gener- 
ally the appearance of the old monument indicates that some pains 
was taken in its selection. A suitable water-worn stone from some 
neighboring stream or a small slab split out of some convenient flag- 
stone ledge, was obtained and rudely marked with " ]^. Y." and the 
number of miles on one side and " P." on the othei'. Others were 
of an inferior and shaly texture. In some cases this may be the 
result of the action of fire in the woods. A few were quite regu- 
lar in shape, many very irregular, and in some instances a singu- 
larity of outline seems to have been the guide in the selection. Most 
of the milestones found were small and very easily handled. Mile- 
stone 1 was a block of sand rock, 5 inches thick, from 7 to 17 inches 
in width aud less than 2 feet in length, the letters well cut, and aside 
from its length was a very substantial monument. Milestone 208, 
the most Avesterly monument found, was a lai'ge, rough, irregular 
solid slab, 3 or 4 inches thick, 32 inches long and 16 inches in 
width, the lower half tapering to a point at the bottom ; rudely in- 
scribed. Milestone 90, where the original commissioners suspended 
their labors for the season in 1786, is a squarely-trimmed slab of flag- 
stone, firmly set in the ground, 2 inches thick, 19| in width, and 

* Penn. Col. Rec, xv, 644. 



No. 71.] 97 

projecting 2 feet above the surface. No two of them are alike in 
size or appearance, many were smaller and thinner than milestone 1. 
And the wonder is why more of them have not been lost. Most of 
the smaller stones were apparently set in shallow excavations. Two 
or three of them were found which required considerable effort to 
remove when the new monuments were I'eady to be placed. Others, 
from their peculiar form, as in the case of 208, could not possibly 
have remained in position under the action of the frosts of the past 
hundred years. 

The Latitude Stones, set at the points where the original commis- 
sioners corrected their position by astronomical observations, were 
uniformly of a more substantial character, and greater pains seem to 
have been taken in trimming, marking and setting them. The Eighth 
Latitude Stone is the most peculiar in shape. Sketch No. 5 gives a 
fair likeness of this old monument. 

Confirmation by Statute ; Err(:»r in Revised Statutes of New 

1 ORli. 

The Boundary thus established was formally confirmed by an act 
of the Pennsylvania Legislature passed 29 September, 1789.* Sec- 
tion 1 of this act, after reciting the various preliminary legal steps, 
including the proceedings of Rittenhouse and Holland in 1774, 
goes on to say : ''And udiereas the said Andrew Ellicot, on the part 
of this commonwealth, and the said James Clinton and Simeon De- 
witt on the part of the state of New-York, did, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six and seven, in pur- 
suance of the powers so as aforesaid vested in them, run, fix and 
ascertain the said boundary line, beginning at the first mentioned 
stone, marked as is herein above recited, and extending thence due 
west by a line of milestones, marked with the number of mile and 
miles which each stone is distantfrom the said first mentioned stone, 
planted in the said small island, to the bank of Lake Erie, at the 
distance of two hundred and fifty-nine miles and eighty-eight perches 
from the said first mentioned corner stone ; and the said commis- 
sioners did accordingly return a draft or plot of the said line, under 
their hands, to the Supreme Executive Council of this common- 
wealth ; in which said draft or plot are noted and laid down the sev- 
eral principal waters, mountains, and other remarkable places, 
through and over which the said boundary line runs ; which said 
boundary fine is and ought to be forever hereafter deemed and 
taken as the true boundary of territory and jurisdiction between 
this State and the state of New-York, so far as the State of New- 
York is bounded thereby :" 

Section 2 provides : '' That the said boundary line, so as aforesaid 
run, marked and returned, by the said Andrew Ellicot, commis- 
sioner on the part of this state, and the said James Clmton and 
Simeon Dewitt, commissioners on the part of the state of New- 

* Carey and Bioren's Laws of Penn., iii, 392-5. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 13 



98 [Senate 

York, beginning at the first mentioned corner stone, planted in the 
said small island, in the Mohawk or west branch of Delaware river, 
and thence extending due west, by the marked stones aforesaid, so 
far westward as to meet the meridian line, which is hereafter to be 
fixed and established as the western boundary of the state of New- 
York, shall be, and forever hereafter shall be deemed and 
taken to be, and is here by declared to be, the true and jnst 
line of boundary and partition, both of territory and juris- 
diction, between the state of Pennsylvania and the state of 
New-York; and that this commonwealth of Pennsylvania doth not, 
nor at any time hereafter shall or will, claim to liavc, hold or exer- 
cise, any right, power or jurisdiction in or over the soil or inhabit- 
ants dwelling northward of the said line hereby established, east- 
ward of the said meridian line, or western boundary of New York : 
Provided aliuays nevertheless, That nothing in this act shall be 
deemed to bind the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, until the legis- 
lature of New- York shall establish and confirm the said boundary 
line on their part, as fully and effectually as the same is by this act 
established and confirmed." 

It would seem that this joint boundary line was not thus for- 
mally confirmed by the Legislature of New York, and no action 
was taken by the Legislature subsequent to the joint resolution of 
1785, so far as now appears, until the adoption of the Revised 
Statutes in 1829. 

No question, however, has been raised as to the legal effect of 
this omission upon the Boundary, which has always been accepted by 
the autli(»rities of both States as a basis for land surveys, and as a 
line of jurisdiction. 

A description of the boundaries of the State of New York of 
which this line forms a part, is given in detail in section 1 of 
title I, chapter I of the Revised Statutes,* and the adoption of the 
first i-evision in 1829 may be considered a tacit confirmation of the 
survey, by the Legislature. This description, so far as it relates to 

the Pennsylvania Boundary, is as follows, " , to the 

waters of Lake Erie ; then westerly through the same, and along 
the said line," [of the Treaty of Ghent] " until intersected by a 
meridian line drawn throu'^'li the most westerly bent or inclination 
of Lake Ontario ; then south along said meridian line to a monu- 
ment in the beginning of the forty-third degree of north latitude, 
erected in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, by 
Abraham Ilardenburgh and William W. Morris, commissioners on 
the "part of this state, and Andrew Ellicott and Andrew Porter, 
commissioners on the part of the state of Pennsylvania, for the 
purpose of marking the termination of the line of jurisdiction be- 
tween this state and the said state of Pennsylvania ; then east 
along the line established and marked by the said last mentioned 
commissioners to the ninetieth milestone in the same parallel of 

* R. S. 1st Ed. i, 61-5 ; also Part I of each edition since. 



No. 71.] 99 

latitude, erected in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty- 
six, by James Clinton and Simeon DeWitf, commissioners on the 
part of tins State, and Andrew Ellicott. commissioner on the part 
of Pennsylvania, which said ninetieth milestone stands on the west- 
ern side of the south branch of the Tioga river; then east along the 
line established and marked by said last mentioned commissioners, 
to a stone erected in the year one thonsand seven hundred and 
sevent3"-fonr on a small island in the Delaware river, by Samuel 
Holland and David Rittcnhoiise, commissioners on tlie part of the 
colonies of New- York and l^ennsylvania, for the purpose of mark- 
ing the beginning of the forty-third degree of north latitude ; then 
down along said Delaware river to a ])oint opposite to the fork or 
branch formed by the junction of the stream called Mahackamack 
with the said Delaware river in the latitude of forty-one degrees 
twenty-one minutes and thirty-seven seconds north." 

In tiie description above quoted occurs an error, in fact, as well as 
historical, which is unaccountable, in terminating the Meridian 
Boundary at " a monument in the beginning of the forty-third 
degree of north latitude, erected in the year" 1787 by Hardenbergh 
and Morris, Ellicott and Porter, " for the purpose of marking the 
termination of the line of jurisdiction between this state and the 
said state of Pennsylvania." lieference is made at the end of tlie 
description in each edition of the statutes to the foot-note, " Com- 
piled from documents in the office of the Secretary of State." The 
Meridian Boundary was not run until 1790, three years after Har- 
denbergli and his co-laborers are said to have placed this monunient. 
Tiiat the location of this point was unknown to the commissioners 
of 1787 is evident from the letter of William Armstrong quoted 
above, and also the text of section 2 of the confirming act of the 
Pennsylvania Legislature. There is certainly nothing among the 
archives in the ofiice of the Secretary of State to warrant the state- 
ment. Tlie compiler seems to have forgotten that the commission 
of 1787 ran their line through on the parallel to the lake without 
regard to any meridian line beyond which New York had agreed to 
surrender jurisdiction. 

At the time the Parallel Boundary was run it was expected that 
the meridian line would intersect the parallel near the present south- 
east corner of Chautauqua county. And Pennsylvania was very 
much disappointed in its final location, which reduced tiie actual area 
of the land acquired to about one-fourth its estimated area. 

The original revisers of 1829 in their preliminary report accom- 
panying the chapter, say : " It will be perceived that the Chapter 
commences with a particular description of the bounds of the State. 
It is a singular fact, that no complete account of the bounds of the 
state, as now established and claimed, is to be found in any printed 
work or public record. It was thought, that a correct description of 
our limits, would not only supply an important desideratum, but 
form an appropriate introduction to the provisions for maintaining 



1 



100 [Senate 

the jurisdiction of the State, and to the description of its civil divis- 
ions, which will be given in chapter II. 

" The description presented has been compiled with great care, 
from authentic materials, with the assistance of the Surveyor Gen- 
eral, and is believed to be correct." * 

And in the original note subjoined to section 1, — "The sources 
from which the above description has been compiled, are generally 
indicated in the description itself: but it may be satisfactory to the 
legislature to receive a more particular account of the various pro- 
ceedings by which our boundaries have been established, than could 
be incorporated in the Statute." 

" The western extremity of this state derived its present boundary 
from acession made to the United States, on the 1st of March, 1781, f 
pnrsnant a law of this State passed on the 19th of February, 1780, 
(Jones & Yarick, 53).:{: The act of cession and other proceedings 
may be found in the journals of the old congress, vol. vii, p. 43 to 
48. . On referring to the act of cession, it will be seen that the line 
is described in the alternative ; and that the ultimate boundary is 
made to depend on a contingency which could not be determined 
without actual survey. Such a survey was afterward made, and the 
line adopted in the above description, thereby established. 

" The line along the north bounds of Pennsylvania was not fully 
surveyed until after the revolution. The patent to William Penn 
grants all the territory ' bounded on the east by Delaware river, from 
twelve miles distant northward of Newcastle town unto the three 
and fortieth degree of northern latitude ; ' extending westward five 
degrees of longitude, and bounded ' on the north by the three and 
fortieth degree of latitude.' In the year 1774, lieutenant-governor 
Colden appointed Samuel Holland, and governor Penn appointed 
David Kittenhouse, to fix the beginning of the 43d degree of north 
latitude on the western branch of the Delaware, and to proceed west- 
ward as far as the season would permit, along the beginning of said 
degree." 

" The remainder of the line to its western extremity, was run and 
marked in the following year," [1787], "by Abraham Hardenburgh 
and William W. Morris, on the part of this state, and Andrew Elii- 
cott and Andrew Porter for Pennsylvania. From the 43d degree of 
latitude to the New-Jersey Line, the Delaware river, and probably 
its west bank, is the boundary. As it is possible that Pennsylvania 
may dispute our right to the whole of the river, the above description 
hereby provides that the line shall run ' down along said river^ 
leaving the question, if it shall ever arise, to be settled hereafter."§ 

*R. S. 2d Ed. (1836), iii, 421. 

f Regents' Boundary Report, i, 163-6. See historical sketch of the Meridian 
Boundary in this report. Also Appendix M. 
Xldem, i, 149-151. 
§ R. S. 2d Ed. (1836), iii, 424-5. 



No. 71.] 101 

The revisers thus seem to have found nothing to indicate by whom 
or when the monuuient at the south-west corner of New York was set, 
but it is probable that the compiler was led into error in supply in«^ the 
missing link in the chain of evidence, upon the presumption that as 
the cession was made as early as 1781, the survey of the Meridian 
must have been made at the time the Parallel Boundary was run. No 
record or report of the survey of the Meridian Boundary having ever 
been found in the proper offices at Albany or elsewhere, the com- 
piler, doubtless, took it for granted that the survey of this line was 
included in the report of Hardenbergh and liis associates, in Octo- 
ber, 1787. 

AprojDos to the reference of the revisers to the line through the 
Delaware river, my investigations have led me to l)elieve that they 
had good reason to be in doubt as to the status of that portion of 
the boundary. By the charter to the Duke of York, his grant was 
bounded by the east side of Delaware bay, no reference being made 
to the river; and by William Pcim's charter, Pennsylvania was 
bounded " East by Delaware River."* New Jersey under the <:rant 
to Lord Berkeley " hath upon the TVest Delaware Bay or River." 
Strictly speaking, then, the title to tlie river ajjpears still to have 
continued in the Crown or the aborigines, and the present States 
have only a claim to it by occupation and possession, the actual limit 
of which is not defined in any treaty or law. This question was 
raised in 1783 between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and was 
settled at that time by a joint commission. The islands and land 
under water were divided between the States, and each State was to 
" enjoy and exercise a concurrent jurisdiction witliin and upon the 
water. " 

We have now a good opportunity to adjust the remainder of the 
river boundary of Pennsylvania in a similar manner and thus supply 
the deficiency disco\^ered by the revisers of the New York statutes. 

Early Land Surveys along the Boundary. 

Having thus given in detail the history of this Boundary and of 
its final settlement and location, we will now refer to the early sur- 
veys of lands along the line, which were, or were intended to be, 
based upon it. The unsatisfactory condition in which the Boundary 
had been found at many points may be accounted for as a con- 
sequence of the looseness of some of these surveys. 

We have seen that at each extremity of the Parallel Boundary, 
surveys had been made and the line approximately fixed, under the 
direction of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, two years before 
the Boundary was officially surveyed. At the eastern extremity, 
George Palmer having run a line from the Delaware to the Susque- 
hanna in 1784, laid out warrants based upon it, in 1785, reaching 
from a point east of milestone 2 nearly to 1.\ The first one of these 

■■■■'rhe Indian deed to the Proprietaries Iq 1768, heretofore quoted, limits tbera 
to tli3 " west side." 
f See VI, Appendix G. 



102 [Senate 

begins at the "Birch" which was liis two-mile tree, and wliich 
undoubtedly was identical with the "yellow Birch," the remains of 
which were identified in 1877. The north-east corner wan-ant in 
Pennsylvania was surveyed by Mr. Pahner in October, 1786, " Be- 
ginnino^ at the Stone set for the N. E. Corner of Pennsylvania." The 
two intermediate warrants were surveyed in 1794 by Anthony 
Crothers. 

West of the warrants surveyed by Palmer, separated from them 
by a narrow warrant of recent date, are four warrants which although 
surveyed in 1793, there seems to be no question, were also based 
upon the Palmer line. These warrants formed part of the "Drinker 
Starrucca Tract" which was surveyed and re-subdivided some forty- 
five years ago by John Boyle, the Palmer line being then taken as 
the nortli line of the tract. A portion of this line was held to the 
exclusion of New York proprietors until within about twenty years. 

In Henry Drinker's Journal, in the possession of the Histoiical 
Society of Pennsyhania, we find this entry relating to these lands. 
"June 5, 1788, went out with John Adlum to survey some land 
bounded by the State Line & lies between Susquehanna & Delaware. 
We went over some very good land but there are some parts of it 
which are very stoney." A very accurate description. 

Still farther w^est, upon the west bank of the Susquehanna near 
milestone 13, the warrant of Wilcox Phillips was surveyed in Sep- 
tember, 1781. Palmer's line, rim in June of that year, terminated 
upon the east side of the river, and this warrant was in another sur- 
vey-district, but it is quite probable that the deputy surveyor extended 
Palmer's line west and based his survey upon it; and it is also prob- 
able that he continued the line west to the second intersection of the 
river, as all the warrants adjoining the Boundary, nine in number, 
were surveyed within a week after the Phillips warrant. 

Thus it is quite apparent that most of the early Pennsylvania land 
surveys upon the eastern twenty miles of the line projected beyond 
the present bounds of the State. The survey of the Hooper 2,000- 
acre tract, which lies a mile and a quarter along the Boundary, in 
each direction from the first intersection of the Susquehanna, by 
General Clinton, at the time he was engaged in running the line, 
probably settled the title at that point. But east of this, we 
nave reason to believe that the New York surveys, of several small 
patents, were also based on the Palmer line, and that from some 
cause the " milestone line " had been lost sight of until a compara- 
tively recent period. The most easterly tract upon the north side is 
John Carpenter's Military Location surveyed in 1790, which begins 
"on the west side of the Delaware River at the monument erected 
for the north bounds of Pennsylvania " and runs along " said north 
bounds a true west course" 150 chains. Adjoining this upon the 
west is the Delaware tract which was subdivided in 1820, the south- 
east corner of which is at the "yellow birch " which is supposed to 
be George Palmer's two-mile tree.* West of the Delaware Tract is 

* No tree is mentioned in the survey of Carpenter's patent. 



No. 71.] 103 

the Edgar patent, granted to. make up a deficiency in the Edgar 
Tract in the soutli-east corner of Tioga county, New Torlc. The date 
of the surveys upon this patent is unlcnovvn. It was subdivided by 
Steplien Dexter, who made no note of any milestones. Adjoining 
it npon the west is the J. Watts deficiency patent, surveyed in 
1811;''^ beyond this the Cooper 3U0-acre tract surveyed in 1831; 
and between tlie latter and Hooper patent before referred to, is the 
third tract in Windsor, subdivided in 1819 by William Macclnre. 
Well-defined corners in the Watts patent have been identified upon 
the Palmer line ; and upon the thii'd tract in Windsor, one lot near 
milestone 10 had been cleared to the Palmer line, along whicii a 
stone wall had been built, which still remained at the time of the 
reconnaissance in 1877. Thus there is apparently a gore of land 
along the north side of the Boundary for more than ten miles which 
the IState of New York has never conveyed, although it is occupied 
at many points by adjacent owners on the north. Between the 
Hooper patent and the Bingham patent, at the second intersection 
of tlie Susquehanna river lie, the First Tract in Windsor, whicli was 
subdivided by William Macclure in 1819; the Nichols Patent, the 
south-east corner of which is at milestone 15, granted to make up a 
deficiency in the Nichols Tract in Tioga county ; and a small tract 
of State land subdivided in 1815 by William Macclure. The sur- 
veys of these tracts so far as is known were based upon the present 
Boundary. Macclnre mentions only milestone 15 in his survey of 
the First Tract, at the south-west corner of the tract. He may have 
run at random for the State line as he did for the east and west lines 
of the tract, as they were found to interfere with the tracts east and 
west of it. In 1841 Eli Nichols was sent to re-survey the east tier of 
lots adjoining the Hooper and Garnsey patents. Instead of begin- 
ning at the State line, he commenced at the north end nearly three 
miles from the Boundary and his survey carried him sixty feet south 
of the latter when he reached it. The south end of the Hooper, 
Wilson and Bingham patent, at the second intersection of the Sus- 
quehanna river, was a military land warrant for 3,000 acres, located 
and laid out in 1775 for John Trotter, a British officer, by Robert 
Lettis Hooper. It was based upon a random line designated 
" Northern Boundary of Pennsylvania " which was run parallel with 
the north line of the tract (the cession line as run east from Owego, 
in that year, by Hooper). At this point this random line was prob- 
ably a little north of the present boundary .f This particular land 
warrant was laid out 100 chains in each direction along this line 
from Snake creek. This, and a number of other military land 
warrants laid out at the same time along the river in the present 
county of Broome were all assigned to Eobert L. Hooper, and were 
consolidated into one warrant in 1785, and in 1786 were patented to 

* This was laid out, Wm. Macclure to make up a deficiency iu the Watts tract 
in the present towns of Colesville, Kirkwood and Windsor, Broome county, 
f See sketch No. 9 for approximate location of this line. 



104 [Senate 

Hoojjer, Wilson and Bingham, The. center of the south end of the 
consohdated vvarrant, upon the re-survey, was considerably east of 
Snake creek. The subdivision surveys near the State line were 
made by Moses B. Cook in 1796. Between the second and third 
intersections of the Susquehanna river, two distinct random lines 
seem to have been run before the State line was officially fixed, that 
run by Robert It. Hooper, mentioned above, the other probably that 
shown upon George Palmer's map. It is doubtful, however, if the 
Hooper line was run through from river to river. 

We have seen tliat a long line of Pennsylvania warrants surveyed 
in 1Y81-6, reaching nearly thirty miles, were apparently based upon 
the line shown upon Palmer's sketch, and are described in the 
returns as being bounded on the north by the " State of New 
York; " * while a line of warrants from three-eighths to one-half a 
mile wide had since been surveyed north of these. In the Wap- 
pasening Yalley near milestones 50 and 51, a warrant granted to 
WilHam Bradford, 9 May, 177+, on the " Waters of Mughcaango or 
Red Bank Creek," f and surveyed in August of that year, was 
found to project some distance north of the State line ; and a war- 
rant granted to Samuel Morris, Jr., the same date, was laid out 
almost entirely in New York. The latter warrant was afterward 
abandoned, and a new one was i.-sued at a more recent date, covering 
the narrow strip which remained in Pennsylvania. 

Upon the New York side, Robert L. Hooper in 1774 laid out 
adjoining the left bank of the Susquehanna river, mainly in the 
present town of Nichols in Tioga county, four military land war- 
rants. The warrant for Phineas Atherton was based upon the line 
designated " Northern Boundary of Pennsylvania," and extended 
220 chains along it east from tiie river. This warrant was entirely 
south of the present State line ; a portion of one or tAvo others pro- 
jected beyond the present boundary also. These tracts were con- 
veyed by the warrantees by deed to Hooper,:]: and after the Revolu- 
tion the portion remaining within the State of New York was 
subdivided by him. 

Between these military locations and that at the second intersec- 
tion of the river lie two townships of the " Lands purchased by the 
state of New York from the Oneyda and Tuscarora Indians " at the 
treaty of Fort Herkimer in 1785. These townships were laid out 
upon paper, based on the north, east, and west, upon the surveys of 
the Hooper and Coxe patents, which separated them entirely from 
the remainder of the purchase. The original map shows the town- 
ships cut up in mile sections, but they were sold at public vendue in 
17^6 in four tracts each. 

* Tliree or four of this tier of warrants, in Bradford county, surveyed after the 
present State line was run, are bounded north by the " supposed State of New 
York." 

fin the return of survey of William Butler's military warrant just north of this 
in New York this stream is called " Wapascinning or White Stone Creek." 

X Deed Book 23, Office of Secretary of State, Albany, pp. 294-5. 



No. 71.] 105 

The first and fonrtli tracts in township No. 6, " Sidney," were 
sold to Nicoll Floyd ; the third tract to Nicholas Fisli, by whom it 
was assigned to Robert Morris, who after receiving the patent con- 
veyed it to Judge Cooper of Cooperstown. Al)ijah Hammond took 
the second tract. Butween his patent and the State line was a gore 
apparently not inchided in his purchase : Edward Sulfern of Ramapo 
Avas the original proprietor of this gore, a map of which was made 
in 1848 by the late William Wentz. 

In township No. 7, " Hambden," the first and second tracts, in 
Tioga county, and fourth tract, in Broome county, were sold to 
Nicholas Fish, by whom the certificate was transferred to Robert 
Mori-is, who received the patent. These three tracts afterward came 
into the liands of Henry Nichols, and have since been known as the 
Nichols Tract. Gen, Alexander Mafomb took the third tract, in 
the south-east corner of Tioga county, which was afterward known as 
the Edgar Tract, from a subsequent owner, wiio conveyed it in 1817 
to James Pumpelly, by whom it was re-subdivided. 

When Nichols took possession of his purchase and commenced his 
surveys, ho found that his three tracts Nvould extend into Pennsyl- 
vania, and in 1810 he called the attention of the Commissioners of 
the Land Office to the matter. Under their orders William Mac- 
clure was directed by Simeon DeWitt, tlie Surveyor-General, to 
examine into the alleged claims for deficiency. Mr. DeWitt's letters 
are still extant among Macclure's papers in the hands of M. R. 
Ilulce, Esq., of Deposit. From Mr. Macclure's notes and a sketch 
found in the State Engineer's oftice, it seems he found that by the 
paper surveys upon which the sales were made, the south line of the 
townships would be considerably south of the State line, and not 
parallel Mith it.* 

Surveyor- General DeWitt, in a report upon the application of John 
Watts, for compensation for deficiency in a patent in another part of 
the Indian purchase says, "The Indian Purchase of 1785, of wdiich 
this tract forms a part was by law directed to be divided into Town- 
ships and Quarters on maps only witliout actual surveysf and thus to 
be sold ; to provide for the inaccuracies which would necessarily 
result from such an uncertain mode of procedure, the 14'** Section of 
the 32*^ chapter of the 12*^ Session was enacted especially.":}; In 
making these maps. Hooper's location of the boundary in his sur- 
veys in 1774, had doubtless been accepted as authentic. 

The firft and second tracts in Hambden, owued by Henry Nichols, 
were found deficient about 3500 acres in consequence of this inter- 
ference ; the third or Edgar Tract, fell short over 1200 acres,§ and 

* See sketch No. 10 for approximate location of this line. 

f Section 2, ciiapter 67, Laws of 1786. Chapter 103, Laws of 1787, was passed 
to correct this loose method ; meanwhile the Indian purchase had been sold under 
the former law. 

I Laws of 1789. The Watts Tract in the south-east part of Broome county was 
granted as an equivalent in this case. DeWitt's reports, as well as all the pro- 
ceedings in these cases, will be found in the minutes of the Commissioners of the 
Laud Otfice. 

§ The claim for deficiency in the Edgar Tract was not made until 1817. 

Minutes of L. O. No, 5, p. 398. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 14 



106 [Senate 

the fourth tract 250 acres. The tliird tract, in Sidney, owned by 
Judge Cooper, was also found deficient about 300 acres. Lands were 
granted in the south-eastern part of Broome county under acts of 
the Legislature, passed 5 April, 1810, and 3 April, 1811, and Mac- 
clure was directed to survey them.* 

No claims seem to have ever been made for deficiencies in the 
reiriaining three tracts in Sidney. The interference here was very 
much less than along the township of Harabden, 

The Inter subdivision surveys of most of tliese tracts, as well as 
those of the Hooper patent west of them, were based upon the State 
line, and the milestones were generally noted. But little is known 
of the details of these re-surveys. The second tract in Sidney was 
surveyed in June, 1787, by Nicoll Floyd. 

In Pennsylvania, west of the third intersection of the Susque- 
hanna, in the last purchase from the Indians in 17S'l, the surveys 
seem to have been carried on with a little more system than in the 
older purchases. 

The system of land subdivision in vogue in Pennsylvania is at 
best a crude one. Over three-fourths of the State ai*e spread tens 
of thousands of detached farm surveys practically independent of 
each other. A warrant for the survey of each parcel has been 
granted, to be located, possibly at the option of the warrantee, upon 
any unappropriated land belonging to the Proprietaries, to be sur- 
veyed by the deputy surveyor of the district. The returns of the 
surveys of these detached parcels are made upon separate slips of 
paper, and until within a few years the only records of the land 
surveys of the great State of Pennsylvania were contained in these 
innumerable slips, many of them nearly worn out from frequent 
examinations, filed away in bundles in the pigeon-holes of the Land 
Ottice. Numerous interferences of surveys in various sections of 
the State has been the result of this loose system, and gores of un- 
appropriated land have frequently been found between warrants 
which, from the records, appear to join each other. 

As an instance, Josiah Lockhart received two warrants for about 
1,1<)0 acres, each dated 17 May, 1785. These were located and 
surveyed by William Maclay in August, 1785, a year before 
the State line was run and the returns were made. They extend 
nearly four miles along the Boundary. These were bounded on 
the north by the " Temporary Line of York State." The west 
one of these embraced the Cowanesqua Flats upon which the vil- 

* Mr. De Witt's letters to Macchire, aside from the business in hand, are quite 
interesting. Among other things which he discusses, is the variation of the 
needle, as follows : 
I "Concerning the daily variation of the magnetic needle all we know is that it 
exists, that it commences in the forenoon and acquires its maximum about that 
time in the afternoon when the heat of the day is greatest and after that dimin- 
ishes till at night it becomes nothing. I have observed it to amount to a full 
quarter of a degree. In warm weather it is greater than when the weather is 
cold. Hence it is supposed that the cause is the heat of the sun but in what 
manner it operates, we know not." 



No. 71.] 107 

lage of Lawrenceville stands. William Dewees was granted upon 
the same day a warrant which was not located until 1792, when it 
was laid out by John Adhim, adjoining the Boundary, beginning at 
the Fourth Latitude Stone and extending west over the Cowanesqua 
Flats, entirely within the west Lockhart warrant and embracing 
about half its area. A. warrant for a re-survey of the latter was 
granted in 1814, which covered so much of it as was not absorbed 
by the Dewees warrant, which it incloses on three sides. 

The older warrants generally were not numbered, and to find the 
record of any particular parcel of land is a good deal like looking 
for a needle in a hay -stack. 

The present Secretary of Internal i^.ffairs, under whose charge 
the Land Office is placed, while deputy secretary, a number of years 
ago, succeeded in initiating the transfer of these old warrant sur- 
veys from detached slips to record books. This is now gradually 
being accomplished, and in a few years the records of these old sur- 
veys will be in better shape for preservation and reference. 

In the last Indian purcliase (of 1784) the lands of the Common- 
wealth were surveyed more generally in large blocks of warrants, 
although the return of each individual warrant was made upon a 
separate slip of paper as formerly. The territory was divided into 
districts by meridian lines based upon the State line, and these dis- 
tricts were assigned to various deputies. 

In the purchase of 1768, which embraced the eastern portion of 
the Boundary, Charles Stewart was the first deputy of a district 
which adjoined it. He was appointed in March, 1769, as 
deputy of that part of the ]>urchase west of the dividing ridge 
between the Delaware and Susquehanna. He it was who made 
the detached surveys in the Wappasening valley before the Revolu- 
tion. George Palmer, in 1773, was appointed deputy for Northamp- 
ton county, which then embraced the present county of Wayne. 
Palmer was continued as deputy surveyor more than fifty years. In 
1785 William Gray was appointed deputy surveyor for Northumber- 
land county, which embraced that portion of the Boundary between 
Wayne county and the third intersection of the Susquehanna. Gray 
surveyed the warrants which were fictitiously bounded north by the 
" State of New York." He also laid out the range of warrants be- 
tween the first and second intersections of the Susquehanna, which 
encroached on New York territory. In 1792 the north part of the 
districts of Gray and Palmer was placed in charge of deputy surveyor 
Anthony Crothers, who laid out the warrants in Drinker's "Starrucca 
Tract," which lapped over into New York. 

Returning to the last Indian purchase. William Maclay* and 
Thomas Tucker were the first deputies appointed (early in 1785). 
Maclay' s district extended from the Susquehanna river to a line 

* Maclay was one of the commissiouers first appointed by Pennsylvania to run 
a " temporary " boundary line ia 1783. He was afterward U. S. Senator from 
Pennsylvania. 



108 [Senate 

wliicli strikes the Boundary west of milestone 97. Tucker's dis- 
trict extended from this to a short distance west of milestone 108, 
the present east line of Brooktield, Tioga county. In 1792, these 
districts were consolidated and John Adlum and William Ellis were 
made the deputies of a district (iNo. 1) which extended from the 
Susquehanna river to milestone 115.* 

Maclay surveyed the warrants adjoining the Boundary in his dis- 
trict as far west as milestone 66, the same year the Boundary was 
run. He noted the milestones and the Third Latitude Stone. He 
also laid out a warrant in that year in each of the valleys of Bent- 
ley creek near milestone 70, and of Seely creek near milestone 79. 
Two warrants surveyed by him in the Tioga valley the year before 
the Boundary was run, and the temporary line run by him across the 
Susquehanna and Chemung valleys in 1784, have already been men- 
tioned. Very few of the warrants along the Boundary in this dis- 
trict were surveyed by Adlnm. Tucker surveyed the warrants in his 
district along the Cowanesqna river, three or four of which reached 
to the Boundary, in the north-east corner, in 1785-6. He mentioned 
no milestones, although one of his warrants corners upon 102. Wil- 
liam Ellis surv^eyed nearly all the Avarrants upon the sections left 
vacant by Maclay in 1795-4 reaching from milestone 70 to 77, from 
79 to beyond 87, and a long gore between the Cowanesqna valley 
lots and the State line, reaching from milestone 92 to the east line of 
Tucker's district. He also laid out in 1794 all the warrants from a 
half mile west of milestone 100 to 108 with the exception of one 
laid out by Tucker in 1786. Three warrants in the north-west cor- 
ner of Tioga county, covering about three and one-half miles of the 
Boundary were surveyed b}' John Adlum ; here he noted milestones 
112 and "115. 

A long irregular warrant granted to Robert Morris in 1798 was 
not surveyed until 1826. It embraces the valley of Troup's creek, 
and extends nearly three miles along the State line in the north-east 
part of Brooktield, Tioga county, l^o note was made of any of the 
milestones, however. A number of small warrants at various 
points in the district were not surveyed until from 1827 to 1840, by 
the county surveyors of the counties in which they were located. 
In these comparatively recent surveys the positions of milestones 
are noted, and adjacent warrant corners are referred to them. 

West of milestone 115 the territory was at first divided into nar- 
row districts and the deputies designated. But these were reorgan- 
ized and deputies appointed who made most of the tinal surveys in 
the northern part of the State. 

John Broadhead, 10 April, 1792, was made deputy for district No. 
2, extending from milestone 115 to 140. He surveyed all of the 
northern part of his district except the north-west corner warrant, 

* John Adlum had in 1791 run the west line of the Phelps and Gorhani Pur- 
chase ill New York. He made the surveys of the reservations in the north-west- 
ern part of Pennsylvania in 1789, for which he received £175, Ss 8d. (Col. Rec, 
xvi, 169.) He probably was engaged upon the resurvey of the Bingham estate. 



No. 71.] 109 

wliicli was laid out in 1805 by Wtn. Ellis; and a narrow gore reach- 
ing irom a short distance west of milestone 132, nearly 5^ miles 
along the State line, the warrant for which was granted in 1793 but 
which was not surveyed until 1845, by a special deputy surveyor, 
who made no mention of any milestones in his return.* 

Jdlin Canan was appointed 11 April, 1793, deputy for District No. 
3, between milestones 140 and 160. William Bingham was gi-anted 
warrants for the land in this district west of the north-west corner of 
Poiter ci>nnty, with the exception of one warrant in the north-west 
corner of the district, and his warrants were surveyed by Canan in 
June, 1704. The north-west corner warrant, which embraces the 
valley of Indian Creek, was not surveyed until 1807, by Wm. Foulke. 
The north-eastern warrants in Canan's district were surveyed in 1805 
by James Johnston. None of the returns mention any milestone-!. 

James Hunters district, No. 4, extended from milestone IGO to 
the cast line of Brady's district, which intersected the Boundary near 
milestone 177. Hunter surveyed all tlie warrants in the nortli part 
but mentions no milestones in his returns. The western tier of 
warrants in this district was taken up by Wilhelm Willink of the 
Holland Land Company. 

Wm. R. Brady, 18 April, 1792, was given District No. 5, reaching 
14 miles west along the Boundary to a point beyond milestone 101. 
The warrants east of the Allegany river were granted to Kobert 
Morris, and those west of the river to John Dorsey. 

Brady in his surveys commenced some miles south of the Bound- 
ary and worked nortli, laying off his tiers of warrants one mile wide 
until he thought he had gone far enough, and then stopped. The 
warrants east of the Allegany river were surveyed in 1793, and 
those west of the river in 1795. He evidently did not undertake to 
find the State line, but stopped at random. In consequence he laid 
out the north tier of warrants covering a distance along the Bound- 
ary over fourteen miles, almost entirely in New York ; nor was the 
north line of this tier of warrants made continuous across the river. 
In the section east of the river where the original timber is still 
standmg, at some points the warrant line may be clearly traced a 
short distance south of the J^oundary. At one point in the recon- 
naissance, we found our random line following close upon it. The 
plaiii line of marked trees which we had unconsciously approached 
W'as at first taken as the State line, until a milestone was reached 
and several witness trees of the Holland Land Company's surveys 
identified, about one hundred feet farther north. The owners of 
the infringing warrants east of the river finding them ahnost entirely 
absorbed by New York abandoned them, and as a consequence, the 
State Boundary not being a recognized property line, was entirely 
lost sight of for years, until the milestones were discovered in 1873 

* This lonp warrant, or gore, was included in the re-surveya of the Bingliara 
estate some thirty or forty years earlier, when all the milestones along its nortli 
line were found and located. They were all, with one exception, in place in 1878. 



110 [Senate 

by the McKean and "Warren County Line Commission. West of 
tlie Allegany an apparently wider strip of the interfering warrants 
was left in Pennsylvania. 

West of Brady's district was District No. 6, all of wliicii west of 
the Conewango was assigned to Smnuel Nicholson. The land in his 
district, beginning at milestone 195 and reaching to the east line of 
the Donation lands, between milestone 213 and 214, was taken up by 
the Willinks, who were connected with the Holland Land Company 
in New York. These lands were all surveyed by Nicholson in 1796. 
He based his surveys upon the Boundary and fixed the corners of his 
north tier of warrants at the original mile points.* This is the only 
section where this wass)^stematically done. Except in a very few in- 
stances, the original milestones seem to have been entirely ignored 
by the deputy surveyors upon their returns. If their field-notes 
could be found, these would undoubtedly exhibit much more com- 
plete memoranda than are shown in the returns. In the few instances 
where access has been had to the private notes of the original sur- 
veyors, thoy have been found quite full in detail. One great error in 
the Pennsylvania system was in not requiring the deputies to deposit 
copies of their field-notes. Robert Morris, who for a time owned 
the Phelps and Gorham Purchase, and the Holland Land Comj)any 
in New York, did this, and in consequence a complete description of 
each line surveyed is accessible. 

John Adlum upon the map of his district, notes the milestones so 
far as his surveys and those of his predecessor follow the Boundary. 
Broadhead upon his map of district No. 12 shows them also. 

The surveys of the Donation Lands at the western extremity of the 
Boundary have already been referred to. 

Certified township No. IS, Athens, which was confirmed to the 
Connecticut settlers of the Susquehanna Company b}' the Compensa- 
tion Act of lT99,'f' was laid out in May, 178(3, five miles square "ad 
joining the State Line," by John Jenkins, who began '' on the north 
line of the Susq* Purchase one mile west of the Tioga Branch " 
(Chemung R.). This survey was made a short time before the pres- 
ent boundary was run, and it is quite apparent from the plot of the 
township that the " State line" referred to, was the temporary line 
laid out across the Susquehanna and Chemung valleys by William 
Maclay in 17S4. This township was covered by Pennsylvania Lottery 
warrants laid out by Maclay in 1785. 

Extensive blocks of warrants in Tioga, Potter and McKean counties 
held by individuals have been re-surveyed with much more care and 
detail than the original surveys exhibit. The principal estate, that 
of William Bingham, extended along the Boundary from a point be- 
tween milestones 111 and 112 nearly to 138, in Tioga and Potter 

* In his returns of surveys these are not referred to as milestones or luileposts, 
but simply thus " 197"^ mile," etc. In some of the patents based upon the war- 
rant returns the word " stone " has been added. 

f See II, Appendix L, 



No. 71.] Ill 

counties, and from milestone 160 to a point west of 168 in IMcKean 
county. Tlie field notes of the re-survey are deposited in the fire- 
proof Land Office of the estate in Wellsboro, Penn. They show that 
considerable pains were taken with tiie survey. Nearly all the mile- 
stones were found and noted. 

The re-surveys of the Keating Estate in the north-east corner of 
McKean county were made in 1801 and 1802 by Francis King 
and were entirely independent of the original warrant surveys, manv 
of which have become obsolete. A portion of the tract was again 
re-surveyed in 1806, 1808 and 1810 by Thomas Lightfoot. Tlie 
notes, which are in descriptive form, are deposited in the Land Office 
in Smcthport. Abstracts from them, so far as they relate to tlie 
Boundary, will be found in Appendix J. 

In 1809, Dr. Robert H. Rose pnrch?.sed about 100,000 acres in 
the nortli-west part of the Susquehanna county and north-east part 
of Bradford county, Pennsylvania. This purchase included most of 
the warrants which were bounded north by the " temporary State 
Line," and some of those lying between that line and the true line, 
and extended along the latter about thirteen miles. The tract was 
carefully re-surveyed and subdivided into small holdings under Dr. 
Rose's direction. In the re-surveys many of the original wan-ant 
lines were disregarded. Most of the records of this re-survey were 
probably destroyed when the mansion of Dr. Rose, at Silver Lake, 
was burned in 1849. Enough are yet accessible to show that the 
surveys were very carefully made. The milestones upon the State 
line were all noted and the corners of subdivisions were referred to 
them. 

The Sobieski Ross estate in Potter county, embracing many thou- 
sand acres, some portions of which reached the Boundary, was re- 
surveyed at an early date, but the details of the surveys are not now 
accessible. 

In the State of New York adjoining the Boundary west of the 
third intersection of the Susquehanna, are first, the Wheeler Doug- 
lass Military Location reaching 200 chains along the Line from the 
river, to a short distance west of Milestone 59 ; adjoining this on 
the west is the Joseph Benedict Military Location patented to Gen- 
eral Thomas Thomas in 1780, the south-west corner of which is near 
Milestone 63. These were laid out by Moses De Witt,* brother of 
the Surveyor-General, in June, 1788. The interior subdivisions 
■were made at a much later date. All the Milestones along the 
south line of these tracts were noted in the original survey, and at 
that early date were undoubtedly in good shape. No notice seems 
to have been taken of the Spanish Hills Monument at 60f miles, or 
the Third Latitude Stone. 

These Military Locations and that of John Carpenter in the 

* Moses De Witt acted as Compassiuan iu 1786 upon the Survey of the Bound- 
ary. He drew Lot 3, in the Township of Potnpey, for services in the Army, and 
settled upon it. 



112 [Senate 

south-east corner of Broome county, were granted under an "Act for 
raising Two Regiments for the defence of this State on bounties of 
unappropriated Lands," passed 20 March, 17S1, and '"An Act for 
raising Troops to complete the Line of tliis State in the Service of 
the TJnited States," etc., passed 23 March, 1782. The Military 
Tract in Onondaga and other interior Counties in New York was 
granted under these laws. 

Between Benedict's Location and the famous Eighty-second Mile- 
stone hes the allotment of the old "Town of Chemung" which was 
subdivided in 1788 by James Chnton, John Hathorn and John Can- 
tine, Comnnssioners, Moses De Witt being the Surveyor. The 
field-notes of this Tract arc contained in Field Book No. 27, in the 
Office of the Secretary of State at Albany. This survey was made 
under a Concurrent Resolution of the Legislature passed Alarcli, 1788, 
appointing those gentlemen commissioners to settle disputes among 
the settlers (or squatters) upon the unoccupied lands in that section, 
and to subdivide and convey the land to them. They were also 
directed to organize the Town. In the survey, the river bottom 
lands wei^e laid out in small lots frcmtingon the Chemung River, and 
reaching back upon the hills. For about half the distance along the 
Boundary, the State Line forms tlie rear boundary of a large num- 
ber of these lots. The high hilly land was laid out into larger tracts 
or lots, many of which were afterward subdivided into smaller par- 
cels. Among these adjoining the Boundary were James Watson's 
Small Tract, reaching from Milestone 73 to 30 chains west of 78 ; and 
James Watson's Large Tract, between Milestone 81 and 82. These 
were surveyed in 1819 by Herman Pumpelly and Robert Lawrence, 
and the field-notes are in the possession of lion. John Arnot, Jr., in 
Elmira ; Large Lot 144 east of Watson's Tract has also been subdivided 
into small lots. In the original survey of the Township, the Mile- 
stones were all noted ; some of them were made the corners of Sub- 
divisions, and the comers of other subdivisions were referred to 
Milestones; so in the survey of the Watson Tracts. The survey and 
acts of the Commissioners were confirmed by the Legislature the 
next year. (Chap. 4, Laws 1789.) 

From Milestone 82 to a point 1,401^ feet east of Milestone 127 lies 
the celebrated " Phelps and Gorham's Purchase " reaching from the 
Boundary north to Lake Ontario.* This Tract was subdivided by 
approximate meridian lines into seven Ranges, numbered from the 
East, and each range was divided into Townships, Township 1 in each 
Range adjoining the Boundar}'. The meridian lines were originally 
run in 1788 by Hugh Maxwell, and the next year, assisted by 
Augustus Porter, he ran the lines subdividing the Ranges into Town- 
shifts. The notes of these surveys are inaccessible, and probably not 
extant. 

Of the lands adjoining the Boundary, Phelps and Gorham sold 
Township 1, Range 2,to Col. Eleazer Lindley, 13 August, 1789, and in 

* See I, Appendix L. 



m. 71. 1 113 

November, 1790, transferred tlie remainder to Eobert Moriis. The 
meridian and Township lines were caretully re-surveyed thronohout 
the entire tract in 1792 by Thomas Davis, Eobert James, and 
Frederick Saxton, under the geneial direction of Major Adam 
Hoops of Philadelphia. Major Hoops was a member of the staff of 
Gen. Sullivan, durino- his raid into this territory of the Senecas in 
1779, and it was upon his representations of the fertility of the 
country that Morris was induced to become so extensive a purchaser 
of lands in Western New York. 

Very full notes of the re-surveys were kept, transcripts of which 
are in the land office at Bath, Steuben county. In these surveys the 
State line was not retraced, except for short intervals for the purpose 
of referring three of the Range lines to the nearest milestones; the 
eastern three Range lines commencing directly at Milestones 88, 94, 
and 100. The west line of the tract was run in October and 
November, 1791, by John Adlum. His record of this survey opens as 
follows : — " October 17"' 1791 Began a Survey of the line dividing 
the land of Gorham and Phelps & the Indians. Beginning at the 
forks of the Genefsee River at an Elm marked O. P. on the East 
side. V Mile On the Nights of the 15'" & 17'" of Octobei- by accu- 
rate observation of the Pole Star's passing the Maredian found the 
Magnetic variation to be five Minutes East," etc. He took frequent 
observations for variation, which at the south end of the line he 
found 0° 45' west. On the eighth of November at 51 miles and 
29P).7 perches he struck the State Hue and made this note: — ''NB, 
when I intersected the Pennsylvania line set up a post and marked 
the two nearest Beech trees with the Number of Miles & ps from 
the forks of the Cnienefsec." Tiiis point is now wholly unmarked 
even by a fence. He measured east on the Boundary 244.4 perches 
to Milestone 126. The corner is 22.14 chains east of milestone 127 
according to Augustus Porter's preliminary survey of the Holland 
Company's Lands in July, 1798. Interior lines were run through 
some of the Townships in 1792. 

Major Etoops' certificate to the record of the field-notes is as fol- 
lows : '' The above are the Contents of Sundry Townships and 
Tracts of land in the County of Ontario & State of New^ York 
sold by Mess'* Gorham and Phelps to the Honorable Robert Morris 
esq'', the several surveys were made by the pei-sons whose names are 
herein before mentioned and their field Books ct Notes — retierence 
being had thereto as directed in the Margin at A. B. C. D. E. will 
shew the Surveys of the particular Tow^nships & Tracts. 

"Returned at Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania this 
Fourth day of February Anno Domini 1793. The Contents being 
as above written in figures One Million two hundred and sixty four 
tlioueand and Five hundred and Sixty nine Acres One Rood and ten 
perches. 

" Signed A. HOOPS Surveyor." 

In April, 1792, after Major Hoops had commenced his surveys, 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] ' 15 



114 [Senatk 

the Tract was sold by Kobert Morris, througli liis English agent, to 
Capt. Charles Williamson, the agent for a syndicate composed of Sir 
"William Pnlteney, John Plornbv, and Patrick Colquohoun. Major 
Hoops completed the surveys under the direction of Capt. William- 
son. In March, 1801, the transfer was perfected by conveyance b}' 
Capt. Williamson to the individual members of the Syndicate, the 
land along the Boundary being taken by Sir William Pnlteney, by 
whose estate much of the lands have since been conveyed in small 
parcels. 

Some of the Townships were subdivided into lots, and others were 
conveyed in large Tracts. Of the latter,' adjoining the Boundary, 
the Carroll Tract in the South-east corner of the Purchase, acquired 
in 1814 by Charles Carroll was not subdivided until a comparatively 
recent date. A narrow strip in the center of Township 1, Range 4, 
was conveyed to John Hornby in October, 1806, and was subdivided 
into lots bv him. The whole of Township 1, Range 6, was purchased 
in 1795 by Walsh and Staats and by them sold in smaller Tracts. 
Wm. Cooper purchased the east half of this Township and in Dec , 
1806, conveyed it to Goldsbrow Banyar, for whose heirs in 1816 it 
was subdivided into lots by Major Zephon Flower. Major Flower 
located all the milestones along the south end of the half Township.* 
A map of the tract was made in 1842 by William Wentz of Bing- 
hamton, by whom many of the lots were re-surveyed. The south-west 
quarter of the Township was conveyed to Sir Edward Ellice ; when 
it was subdivided is unknown. Squire Whipple made a map of it 
in 1871, upon which some of the milestones are shown. 

The remainder of the south tier of Townships was subdivided into, 
small lots by the Pnlteney Estate. Township 1, Range 1 (except 
the Carroll Tract) was surveyed in September and October, ISIS, by 
Wm. H. Bull. Townships 1 in Ranges 3 and 5 were subdivided in 
1794 and 1796 ; they were afterward re-surveyed. Range 3 by Wil- 
liam H. Bull in 1818, and Range 5 by Christopher Hulbert in ISlo. 
Township 1, Range 4, excepting the Hornby Tract was surveyed in 
1819 by James Reed ; and Township 1, Range 7, in the south-east 
corner of Allegany county was surveyed by Major Moses Van 

* Major Flower's notes are still in existence in the possession of his grandson, 
Z. F. Walker, Esq. , of Athens, Peun. With reference to this survej^ he says: 
■' This is the S"* time these lands have been surveyed. Esq. Backus began at the 

115 milestone which was 28 C. 60 L. too far East as Mr. Cameron said (the Land 
Office agent at Bath) but I find the old corner was 28 C. 30 L. West of the 116 
milestone. I had a plan of the first Survey, but neither it nor the field notes gave 
any place of beginning. After going to the Land Office & obtaining all informa- 
tion I could, Mr. Ford thought best to niake use of Esq. Backus survey as possible, 
but when I measured the lots I found some much wider than others, and after 
using 2 days to very little purpose, I concluded to run the cross lines anew. In 
tracing the State Line I found the S. E. cor. of the town 28 c. 30 1. West of the 

116 milestone, aiid a line running N 2-* E about 21: years since as grains of the 
growth showed. Also I found a cor. IS c 7o 1. west of the 119 milestone and a 
line running N. 2*^ E. about 12 years old. Said cor. being so near the center of 
the town I thought best to make use of it and line as the west bounds of my 
Survey. From the 118 milestone I find a line running from it 24 years old." 



No. 71.] 115 

Campen, who noted all the milestones along the south line. In 
some of the other Townsliips no attention seems to have been paid 
to the milestones. 

Ool. Lindley, who purdiased Township 1, Range 2, settled upon 
his tract in 17*J0, on the Tioga Flats near milestone 90. The Town- 
ship was never regularly subdivided into lots, but was probably con- 
veyed in long narrow timber-lots reaching in each direction back 
from the Tioga River ; a large proportion of the Township west of 
the River, adjoining the Boundary, being held until after his death, 
when it was subdivided among his heirs in 1S29 by Michael B. 
Thorpe. In his survey he made note of the milestones and the 
Fourth Latitude Stone on the left bank of the River. 

Phelps and Gorhanrs Purcliase from JVIassachusetts in 1787. 
originally embraced all the land in the State of New York, along 
the Boundary, west of Milestone 82, but the portion west of the 
tract since popularly known by that designation, was abandoned by 
them before the Indian title was extinguished. It was reconveyed by 
Massachusetts to Robei-t Morris in 1796, and after reserving a tract 
12 miles in width along the Boundary, he conveyed the remainder' 
to the Holland Land Company. lie divided the Reserv^c into two 
Ranges, and these into Townsliips six miles square, which were cut 
np into mile square sections. Whether these sections were all of 
them marked upon the ground is not known. It is probable that 
they were only marked upon the outlines of the Townships, the in- 
terior lines not being run, as was the case in the Holland Land Com- 
pany's Purchase. 

The Ranges were conveyed in Large Tracts irrespective of the 
Township lines, and these tracts were re-subdivided at the option of 
the purchasers. The Willing and Francis Tract in the south end of 
Range 1 was cut up into lots of about 160 acres each, the field notes 
of which are lost, and the Sterritt Tract in the southern extremity 
of Range 2 was subdivided into lots of about 108 acres each, by 
whom is unknown. 

The Holland Land Company placed its surveys in charge of 
Joseph Ellicott, a brother of Andrew, and judging from his instruc- 
tions to his deputies in the matter of marking trees, he was as .care- 
ful and accurate a man as his brother.* 

The initial survey was made by Augustus Porter who, " July 5"', 
1798 Began at Gorham & Phelps South West Corner which is a 
post & 13eech tree standing on the North Boundary line of Penn- 
sylvania which was set by John Adlum in Nov'' 17^*1. From thence 
measured West along the said North Boundary line " setting mile 
posts at the end of each mile, and noting the Sixth Latitude Stone 
and all the milestones except 135 (which was discovered in the sur- 
vey of the Bingham Estate in Pennsylvania in 1806) until he had 
measured 12 miles, the width of the Morris Reserve, which point 
he reached 9 July.f Here he set a stake to mark the south-east cor- 

* See I, Appendix H. 

f See II, Appendix H for Extracts from Porter's. Field Book. 



116 [Senate 

ner of the possessions of the Holland Land Company, " & return 
about 40 perches on Line and encamp it being 1 oclock and very 
rainy." The stake marking this important corner he afterward re- 
placed with a siibstantial stone monument which still remains undis- 
turbed. It stands upon a steep North-easterly slope south of the 
Hoiieoye Creek, about 150 feet above the bottom lands, and about a 
mile S". 45° W. from Ahna Post Office and 3,958 feet west of Mile- 
stone 138. It is quite plainly marked on the east side: 

No. 1. S. W. Corner 
W. & J. WiLLiNK, S. E. Corner 



south edge — 



Top 



SA 

Pen 

Lat. 42^" 

Meridian 12 miles West of 
(jr ife r b. W . Corner -, ^^^ 



From this monument a transit line was run north under Ellicott'^ 
direction, by his brother Benjamin, as the eastei'n Boundary of the 
territory. This has always been known as the " Eastern Transit 
Meridian." Milestones were set upon it marked " W. & J. W." in 
addition to the number. 

The system of subdivision adopted by Joseph Ellicott was almost 
identical with that now in use in the surveys of the Public lands of 
the United States, the system of Ranges and Townships. It had 
been previously used by his brother Andrew in surveys of Govern- 
ment lands in Ohio. Who invented this simple and comprehensive 
plan is questioned ; by some it is ascribed to Gen. Wm. H. Harrison. 
Andrew ElHcott may probably be correctly credited with it. 

The entire tract was divided into 15 Ranges, bounded by Meridian 
lines reaching from the Parallel Boundary to the Lakes, and num- 
bered from the east. Ranges 1 and 2 were each 6 miles in width ; 
3 and 4 were each 4 miles wide; 5 and 6 were each 6 miles. Range 
7 included the " Willink Strip," and the lands, about 5^ miles, re- 
maining East of Range 8. Ranges 8 to 15 were each 6 miles in 
width, and were consecutively laid off from the west, commencing 
at the south-west corner of the State. The Ranges were sub-divided 
into G-mile Townships numbered from the south. 

The surveys of the Township outlines were made in 1798-0 by 
various»Deputies. Mile and half-mile posts, witnessed by three or 
four trees, were set, the original intention being to sub-divide the 
interior of the Townships into mile sections and quarter sections as 
is now done upon United States lands. The unit of sub-division 
finally adopted, v»'as 360 acres, or 60 chains square. 

At the South-west corner of Range 6 was set a monument similar 
to that at the south-east corner of the Purchase. 



No. 71.] 117 

It was found intact in 1879. It is marked East side : — 





HOLLAND LAND 

South West Corner 
Range N^ 6. 


West side : — 


W. <fe J. WILLINK 
Rs<^ N° 7. 


South edge : — 


P 


North edge: — ■ 


T 

N°l 


On top : — 


Yar 1 W ^%^^' 



It is 548.4 feet east of Milestone 171. From this monument a 
transit line was run north to Lake Ontario, afterward known as the 
" Western Transit Meridian," forming a correction line for the 
Township surveys, and separating the three Ranges (4, 5 and 6) 
allotted to tlie Holland Land Company proper, from a strip 113 
cliains 68 links wide, belonging to W. & J. Willink, reaching from 
rlie State Line to the Lake, and known as the " Willink Strip." 
Milestones M'ere set upon this Meridian also. 

West of the " Willink Strip," at the south-west corner of which 
was set a monument marked '' W. & J. W." on the east side, and 
"• H. L. C " on the west, the Ranges were allotted to the Holland 
Land Company pro))er. The monument at the south-\vest corner of 
the Willink Strip is 1.539.1 feet west of Milestone 172. 

Augustus Porter, M-lien he had permanently marked the south- 
east corner of the Purchase, proceeded to lay out the territory 
allotted to Wilhem it Jan Willink, reaching 16 miles along the 
State Line, and comprising the first three Ranges, setting mile and 
half-mile post?;, Mdiich Avere numbered from the south-west corner of 
Phelps' and Gorham's Purchase. At the 28 mile point (south-west 
corner of Range 3) he set a monument similar to that at the 12 mile 
point, marked on the east side " ^s V"cMiier.''%" and on the west side 
'• H. L. C°. Beg." This monument was! 196.6 feet east of Mile- 
stone 155. It disapjieared about forty years ago. After this he ran 
north on the west line of the tract. 

Upon the south end of Range 1, he noted Milestone 139 (without, 
however, giving its distance from the corner). He also located a 
tree Avhieh he designated as the '" 141 Mile-tree." He found Mile- 
stones 144 and 155, and also a tree upon the Oswayo Flats, Mdiich 
he designated the 148 mile tree. The interior Range lines of the 
Willink tract Avere soon afterward run by Amzi Atwater. 

The south line of Township 1 in Range 4 was surveyed by Ware- 
liam Shepard in October, 1798, and he found Milestones 155, 157 
and 158. The west line of the Township was run in December, 
IT'JS, l)v James Smedley. 



116 L'^^^'^'^E 

The south and west lines of Township 1 of Range 5, were surveyed 
by Richard M. Stoddard in October and November, 1798. lie found 
all the Milestones along the south line. Stoddard had previously, 
in June and July, surveyed the south and east lines of Township 1 
of Range 13, upon which he made no note of any milestones ; and 
also the south and east lines of Township 1, Range 8,* and re-sur- 
veyed the south line of the Allegany Indian Reservation. Upon the 
State Line here he found Milestones 178, 181, 182 and 185. 

The south line of the Sixth and Seventh Ranges were surveyed 
by Stephen Benton, Jr., in October, 1799. In order to find his 
starting point, he re-surveyed the south lines of the fourth and fifth 
ranges, but upon the entire distance across the four i-anges he makes 
no mention of any Milestones, although Shepard and Stoddard, a 
year previous had found nine, and Ebenezer Gary, in a re-survey of 
the Western Transit Meridian in 1799, had referred the monument 
at the south end to Milestone 171. James Dewey re-surveyed the 
south end of the " Willink Strip" without finding either 171 or 172. 
These were afterward noted by the Surveyor who divided the 
" Strip" into sections. Wareham Shepard, in June and July, 179S, 
surveyed the south, east and north lines of Township 1, and the 
north line of Township 2 in Range 1.5; upon the State Line "be- 
ginning at a maple post in a heap of stones" at the south-east corner 
of the " Erie Triangle" (no mention is made of a monument at this 
point), he ran east across the south end of the range and found the 
221, 220 and 219 " Mileposts." This was within the limit of the 
Donation District Surveys of 1785. In 1802 these " mileposts " 
were not found by John Cochran, the Pennsylvania Deputy, who 
was sent to investigate the interference of surveys. Shepard also 
surveyed, in July, 1798, the south and east lines of Township 1, 
Range 11 ; here he found the Eighth Latitude Stone and Milestone 
200, and a beech tree marked 199 miles; and in July and August 
he survej'ed the south and east lines of Township 1, Range 9, and 
made a note of Milestones 18.\ 186, 188 and 189. 

In July, 1798, Amzi Atwater surveyed the south and east lines of 
Township 1 in Ranges 10 and 14; and upon the south lines of both 
these Townships, he made no note of any Milestones. Nor did Jn° 
Elliott, who surveyed the south and east lines of Township 1, Range 
12, in the same month. 

The west line of the Tract, the " Meridian Boundary," was re-sur- 
veyed by James Smedley from the South in July, 1798. He made 
its entire length 18 miles 50 chains, 91 links to a stake 39 links 
north of the initial Monument, 1 chain 89 links shorter than the 
distance given upon the map of the original survey. Smedley 
made no note of any of the original monuments except the Initial 
Monument, which he says was broken in pieces. 

*Tlie line along this Township he ran from the west, and upon the first three 
miles, in his notes and in the record the description of the topography is reversed,. 
the streams being made to run north instead of south, etc. 



No. 71.] 119 

The original Surveyor's tield-iiotes of the Town.-jiiip line surveys, 
surveys of Keservatious and Traverses of several roads and streams, 
are contained in 69 small memorandum books which were deposited 
in the office of the Secretaiy of State in accordance with an Act of 
the Le<^islature passed April 30, 1839. 

These little field-books were each verified before Judge Nelson. 
12 April, IS-ll. The topography of the lines traversed is very well,al- 
thougli roughl}', shown. The surveys, with the exception of the 
Transit meridians, were made with the compass. Tlie variation of 
the needle is noted upon each township line. Most of them contain 
a certificate similar to this : '* Examined and corrected Jno. Thomp- 
son, Assistant Director & Surveyor, Massachusetts Pre-emption, 
Aiigust 8"' 1798." 

The consolidated records of the Surveys of the several Ranges are 
contained in 15 Record Books certified by Joseph Ellicott, " Surveyor 
for the Holland Land Company," also deposited in the office of the 
Secretary of State. Abstracts from these Records are given in Ap- 
pendix H. 

The Townships were divided into Sections soon after. As be- 
fore stated, the unit generally adopted was 60 chains square. Town- 
ship 1 of Range 8, was, however, divided into Sections approxi- 
mately SO chains square. The field-books of these surveys are quite 
barren of detail. The Township outlines were not re-run, the outer 
section corners being located by measuring to the nearest mile or 
half-mile post. In rare instances, several milestones upon the Par- 
allel Boundary are noted. The section corners were generall}'^ wit- 
nessed as carefully as were the mile and half-mile posts of the pre- 
vious survey. Some of these witness trees still remain. These sur- 
veys were made by various surveyors, whose names are not now 
known, as they are not entered in the field books, except in occa- 
sional instances. Among them was William Peacock, who for many 
years afterward administered the affairs of the Holland Land Com- 
pany in Chautauqua County. The original field-books of the section 
surveys are in the possession of David E. E. Mix, C. E., of Batavia. 
N. Y. 

In 1847 James Sperry re-surveyed most of the sections along the 
Boundary upon Townships 1 in Ranges 4 and 5 of the Holland 
Land Company's Purchase, Cattaraugus Co. He makes no note of 
any of the milestones, most of which must have l)een standing at 
that time. He marked new reference trees to the Section Corners, 
and in several cases when the original witness trees were still stand- 
ing (1878) the corners fixed from his witnesses and the original 
witnesses differ materially. The Field Book of this re-survey is in 
the possession of Hon. Geo. Van Campen of Glean, N. Y. 

Recent Ex-i'arte Gfficial Examinations of Portions of the 

Boundary. 
Before the general reconnaissance of the entire Boundary was 
undertaken in 1877, bv the Joint action of the two States, but three 



120 ['Senate 

or four official examinations of any considerable portions of the 
Line had been undertaken, of which we have any record. 

The first was in 1802, when Deputy Surveyor John Cochran was 
directed by the Survej'or-General of Pennsylvania to retrace the 
Boundary across the Donation Lands west of Milestone 213, which 
were surveyed in 1786 by David Watts, and were afterward found 
to encroach upon the Holland Land Company's lands in New York. 

Cochran's return was made in the form of a sketch of the line, 
showing the manner in which it intersected various M^arrant lines, 
which is pasted upon the margin of the Map of tlie District de- 
posited in the Land Otiice at Harrisbiirg The sketch bears the fol- 
lowing legend : " A draught representing the manner in which the 
York line runs through and interferes with the surveys in the tenth 
Donation District, examined on the ground agreeable to the letter of 
instruction* from the Surveyor-Gen ei*al dated the 16th of Septem- 
ber 1802 by me John Cochran, D. S. To Samuel Cochran, EsqV, 
Surveyor-General." Upon this " draught " the mile-points of the 
Boundary, within the limits of the District, are all marked but are 
noted as trees, no milestones being mentioned, although three 
''mile-posts"— 219, 220 and 221 — were found by the Holland 
Land Company's surveyor a few years previously. Tlie Boundary 
line shown upon the " draught '' is also laid down upon the original 
map. It intersected the East line of the District, about five-eighths 
of a mile East of the '' 214 M. Tree.'" The South-west corner of 
New York was 50 perches east of the " 225 mile tree," and the 
North-east corner of the District was jnore than three and one-half 
miles nortli of the Boundary in the East part of the present town 
of Clymer, Chautauqua County. Sketch No. 5 is compiled from 
the map and "draught" referred to, and shows the relation of the 
North-east portion of this tract to the State and Town lines. 

MacClure's exasnination of the intei'ference of the four tracts in 
Hambden in 1810-11 may be classed in this category. 

The second examinaiion was confined to that portion of the 
Boundary adjacent to Chautauqua County, New York, and was 
undertaken at the request of the Regents of the University by the 
Board of Supervisors of that County, in 1870. Hon. O. D. Hinck- 
ley, of Clymer, one of the members of the Board, made a recor.- 
naissance of the Boundary North and East from the " Corner." He 
confined himself mainly to the identification, so far as possible, of 
the positions of the mile and half-mile posts of the Holland Land 
Company's Township Surveys of 1798, by means of the witness 
trees. He succeeded in finding and identifying, by means of old 
witness trees, a number of the points fixed by that Company's Sur- 
veyors in 1798. Several of these points were made use of in 1884 
in adjusting the western portion of the Parallel Boundary. He 

* This letter of iuslriiclion is not now to be found. It probably shared the fate 
of other documents in the destruction of the Erie County Court House by fire in 
1829. 



No. Tl.] ]21 

also found the Eighth Latitude Stone at 195| miles, Milestones 200, 
203, 204 and 2U8, and the remains of Milestones 195 and 201. 
Owing to the discrepancy of over 1,000 feet in distance between 
Milestones 192 and 195, Mr. Hinckley found none of the Milestones 
East of the latter. 

The Committee of the Board of Supervisors having the matter in 
charge made tlie following report, a copy of which, with Mr. 
Hinckley''s notes, was transmitted to the Regents of the University. 

"The undersigned Committee, to which was referred the duty of 
superintending the retracing of the State line, adjoining Chautau- 
qua county, for the purpose of ascertaining how many of the old 
land-marks and monuments remain, indicating the exact locality of 
said line, and are in condition to be recognized with certainty, re- 
spectfully report : 

" That for the purpose aforesaid, we have employed Otis D. 
Hinckley, Esq., Surveyor, and that under our direction' he has com- 
pleted the said survey and has made his report to us from actual 
survey and measurement of every mile of said line, which report 
Proves conclusively that many of the old land marks and monu- 
ments still remain on the line, sufficient to identify with certainty 
the line as originally located, on both sides of the county. 

"In consideration of which, your Committee recominend to this 
Board, the pro})riety of requesting the State authorities, as soon as 
practicable, to take such steps as may be necessary for the erection 
of permanent monuments on said State line, on both the south and 
west lines of this county.*' 

The expense of this survey Was $396.55, which was paid by 
Chautauqua County. The County was afterward reimbursed by 
State Appropriation. 

The third examination was of the portion of the Boundary adja- 
cent to the Corner of McKean and Warren Counties in Peimsyl- 
vania. 

The Legislature of Pennsylvania in 1873 appointed a Commission 
composed of three gentlemen, Messrs. C. L. Knapp, of Corydon, 
Pa., G. W. Starr, of Erie county. Pa., and Mr, A. D. Hamlin, of 
Smethport, Pa., "to re-mark and permanenth' fix the Boundary line 
l-.etw^een the Counties of Warren and McKean, and also to run and 
mark the State Line from the Allegany River East to some point 
where it is more plain,"' etc. (Laws of 1873, page 673.) This 
Commission performed the duties imposed upon it during the suc- 
ceeding season. Mr. Handin acted as Surveyor for the Connnission. 
Mr. Knapp we met inunediately on our arrival at Corydon in 1878, 
and from conversation with him, and a sketch taken from the map 
filed by the Commission, kindly furnished us by Mr. Robert King, 
of Smethport, we learned that they went to a point about 1^ miles 
West of the Allegany River, where by inspection of old marked 
trees, they satisfied themselves of the position of the Boundary, and 
ran East with the compass. They found by this means mik'Stone 
[Sen. Doc. Xo. 71.] 16 



122 [Sknatk 

183, tlie existence of which was unknown to any one in that sec- 
tion. They also followed the Bonndaiy as far East as milestone 
178, tinding that and all the intermediate ones. They also set a 
stone to supply the vacancy at 18i miles, and set substantial stones 
at the intersection of two roads. All the milestones found by them 
had been lost sight of for years, and but three of them are noted 
in the Field Books of the Holland Land Company. The Boundary 
was found to be much in doubt at various points, and the lines of 
occup.ition West of milestone 183 in the cleared valley of the River, 
were found to vary considerably from the Boundary as indicated 
by the milestones. 

The section of the Boundary which was explored by this Com- 
mission is entirely within Brady's Survey District, j*eferred to pre- 
viously in this report, in which the Pennsylvania Warrants were 
laid out without regard to the position of the Boundary, one tier 
overlapping New York lands nearly its entire width. 

During the Session of Congress for 1874-5, " an act to authorize 
the Seneca Nation of New York Indians to lease land within the 
Cattaraugus and Allegany Reserv^ations, and to confirm existing- 
leases," was passed. Section 2 of this act provides " that the Presi- 
dent of the United States shall appoint three commissioners whose 
duty it shall be, as soon as may be, to survey, locate and establish 
proper boundaries and limits of the villages of Vandalia, Carrollton, 
Great Valley, Salamanca, VVest Salamanca and Red House within 
said Allegany reservation including therein, as far as practicable, all 
lands now occupied by white settlers, and such other land as, in their 
o])inion, may be reasonably required for the purpose of such vil- 
lages. The boundaries of said villages so surveyed, located and 
established shall be the limits of said villages for all the ])nrposes of 
this act." 

Commissioners were appointed under this and were referred for 
instructions to the office of Indian Affairs in the Department of the 
Interior. In the course of their investigations they found that it 
was quite necessary that the outer boundaries of the original Alle- 
gany Reservation should be re-surveyed. In transmitting a resolution 
upon this subject, adopted by the council of the Seneca Nation, the 
commissioners say that they " found difiiculty in ascertaining the 
lines of the Allegany Indian Reservation according to the original 
survey made in 1798," 

The Commissioners were afterward instructed to extend their 
operations to the outlines of the Reservation for the survey and 
restoration of the lines as established in 1798, The supervision of 
their labors was, in 1876, transferred to the General Land Office. 

The south end of this Reservation is bounded by the Parallel 
Boundary for 9,093 feet on both sides of the Allegany River. As 
all the line marks and witness trees had become obliterated and de- 
stroyed, the surveyor for this commission probably accepted the 
monuments set by the County Line Commissioners East of the 
river in 1873, as authentic, and used them in fixing the Line along 
the State Boundary. 



No. 71.] 123 

Cylindrical iron monuments five feet long were set at each angle of 
the Reservation, of which there are 51. Those marking the corners? 
upon the State Line were not set until after our reconnaissance in 
1878. That at the south-east corner is in the center of a road 1783 
feet west of milestone 183, and is buried so that its top pi'ojects but 
little aliove the surface; it is 0.55 feet too far south. The monument 
at the soutli-west corner w^as but temporarily set and had been pulled 
out. But its place was readily identified in 1884, and a granite 
monument set, the iron monument being reset at the north side of 
the other. The point at which it had previously stood was about 
two feet too far north. 

In August, 1881, before the work of final adjustment of the 
Boundary was connnenced, the County Commissioners of three 
counties in Pennsylvania caused a reconnaissance of the Boundary 
adjacent to those Counties to be made, for the purpose of locating 
and identifying the intersection of the Town and County lines with 
the State Line. 

The surveys in Potter County were made by Mr. W. A. Crosby, 
the present Prothonotar^'. In Warren County, the present County 
Surveyor made the Surveys. And in Erie County, the service was 
performed by George Piatt, Civil Engineer, of Girard, Penn. The late 
David lieise, of AVellsboro, at the request of the Commissioners of 
Tioga County, Penn., furnished extracts from the County Records 
for the same purpose, but no surveys were made. 

The Supervisors of the Towns of Kirkwood, Windsor, and San- 
ford, in Broome County, New York, caused surveys to be made for 
the location of the corners of those towns, which had never been 
fixed. 

Aside from these instances, none of the County or Town ofticials 
along the Boundary appeared to interest themselves in the question 
of the proper location of the line. Exception must be made in favor 
of Hon. O. D. Hinckley, for years a member of the Board of Super- 
visors of Chautauqua County, N. Y., ani the present Clerk of the 
Board, who made the examination of the Boundar}' in 1870, along 
that County. His intimate knowledge of that section of the line wiiz 
of material benefit in the settlement of obscure portions. 



124 [Senate 



JOINT RECONNAISSANCE OF 1877-9. 



As was stated in the first part of this report, the examination of 
the Boundary under the) joint action of the two States was com- 
menced in 1877. 

Tuesday mornino;, nineteenth June in that year, at Hancock, Dela- 
ware County, N. Y.. in accordance with appointment previously 
made by the members of the Joint Commission, I met Col. James 
Worrall and Col. C. M. Gere, members of the Pennsylvania Boundary 
Commission, Dr. S. B. Woolworth, Secretary of the Joint Commis- 
sion, Dr. D. J. Pratt, Assistant Secretary of the Board of Regents, 
Mr. James T. Gardiner, Director of the New York State Survey, 
and Mr. Francis Blake, Jr., Assistant U S. Coast Survey. After a 
full consultation upon the subject of the projected re-examination of 
the Boundary, the entire party proceeded up the Delaware River 
about seven miles, to what is well known in the vicinity as Monu- 
ment Island, to identify, if possible, the points and monuments at the 
Initial Point, described in the report of Messrs. Rittenhouse and 
Holland in 1774, which is given in full in the former part of this 
repoi't. 

Upon a careful examination of both banks of the river and consult- 
ation with a number of old residents present, it was quite evident 
that nothing could be identified, and that both monuments described 
in the report referred to, were lost. A copy of the "draught" re- 
ferred to in the report is shown in Sketch No. 2. 

Tlie point A of the main land, upon which the original Commis- 
sioners fixed their instruments, could be quite readily defined. The 
bayou between this point and the island has, for a long time, been 
filled with soil and cultivated, but the outlines of the original island 
were thought to be distinctly marked. The distance, however, from 
the point A to the upper end of the island was found to be very 
much in excess of that given in the report, and there were evidences 
that a considerable portion of the upper part of the island had been, 
at some time, washed away by the frequent freshets in the river. 

The right bank of the river, which is a high bluff, at the base of 
a liigh hill, sliowed decided in lications of the effects of freshets 
in washing away the banks, causing extensive slides. Parties pres- 
ent informed us that the monument originally set npon this bank 
had been washed away and had been picked up among the loose 
!?tone upon the shore of the river. It was carried down to a mill 
which is now in ruins. It is said to have afterward been brought 
back and set up out of the reach of the water. 

A number of old marked trees were found in the woods above 
the river bank, but these seemed to indicate that two or three dis- 



No. 71.] 125 

tinct lines had been run, as they did not all seem to correspond with 
each other in respect to alignment. The most positive indication 
was upon an old beech stub, some twelve inches diameter, wliich 
stood upon the brow of the present bluff. Tliis sliowed distinct 
" blazes" on both sides, made when the tree was quite small. Tlio 
stub had for a long time been dead and decayed, and has since dis- 
appeared. The other marks in the woods were mostly of apparently 
more recent date. An examination at the point at which the 
Boundary crosses Sand Pond Brook Valley failed to develop anv 
thing more positive than the remains of a yellow birch tree, referrell 
to in the(N. Y.) patent of lot number one in the Delaware Tract, as 
the south-west corner of John Carpenter's Location. 

Tliis tree was undoubtedly that marked by George Palmer, in his 
temporary line of 1784, as the " 2 mile tree" and was, consequently, 
not in the Boundary of 1786. 

It was quite plain to the minds of all present that nothing definite 
could be settled upon as the Initial Point of the Boundary, and it 
was decided that the work of retracing should be connnenced with- 
out delay, and that a careful line should be run from a known 
monument out to the river, to approximately fix the Initial Point. 

At Hale's Edd_y, the gentlemen comprising this party separated 
and returned to iheir homes, except Col. Gere, one of the Commis- 
sioners of Peimsylvania, who had been designated to act as Surveyor 
on the part of that State, and mj'self. 

A party was organized and active operations were at once com- 
menced in the field. The facilities of tlie inhabitants along the line 
being very limited as to accommodations for the party, it was de- 
cided to establish head-quarters at hotels at convenient points, making- 
definite contracts for quarters and subsistence. Finding also that 
opportunities for procuring adequate transportation to and from the 
line would be precarious, a contract was made soon after commenc- 
ing operations, with Jacob Taylor, Esq., of Lanesboro, Penn., for the 
use of a suitable team and wagon. 

. With one or two changes in the team, Mr. Taylor's establishment, 
in charge of the same teamster, was made use of during each season 
in the iield, with the exception of about a month in 1879, until the 
completion of the Parallel Boundary in 1884.* 

We took the field so soon after my appointment that no opportu- 
nity was had to examine Records or look for any field-notes, except 
am'.ng local surveyors in the vicinity. Col. Gere had already spent 
two or three weeks upon the line, without an instrument, however, 
and had made some discoveries. 

The survey, as it was commenced, partook more of the character 
of an exploration with compass and chain than a finished reconnais- 
sance. The instrument used w^s a first-rate Stackpole Railroad 
Transit, which was handled by myself altogether during the entire 

*For the names of all parties who were connected with this Re-survey of the 
Boundary, see Appendix F. 



126 [Senate 

reconnaissance. Longitudinal measurements were made with a new 
66-foot steel chain divided into 100 links. At the start, the main 
object was simply to follow the line, which was supposed to have 
been carefully run originally, and to discover the successive mile- 
stones. No monuments being known East of Milestone 5, the first 
step taken was in running a random compass line East from that 
milestone upon a magnetic variation assumed from the results of 
observations made by Mr. M. R. Hulce, at Deposit, several miles 
north-west. Tliis line was run out to the river and across to the 
bluffs on the opposite side, where an Astronomical Station was after- 
Nvard located. Milestone 3 was the only monument found at this 
time. Milestone 1 was not discovered until more than two years 
after. 

From Milestone 5 westward, random compass lines were run start- 
ing from the existing monuments as they were successively found. 
Notes were taken of all farm corners, and corner or line stakes, which 
were carefully located by offsets. 

A week or two of such work disclosed the existence of irregulari- 
ties in the line which even a compass could not follow. But a care- 
ful system of compass randoms was continued to Milestone 39, be- 
yond which the random lines were all run by transit without the use 
of the needle. The irregularities in the line were more clearly de- 
veloped by the transit work, some of them proving rather startling. 
The portion of the line which at first was retraced with the needle, 
was afterward, in 1879, entirely re-surveyed by transit. 

The field-work for the year 1877 closed a short distance west of 
Milestone 119, upon October 19. 

The Boundary was found to be so crooked and irregular that it 
was a constant problem to project transit lines which would follow it 
closely. When the random line was found to be diverging from the 
line, or where it was deemed more convenient to work upon the 
opposite side of the Boundary, the direction was changed or the line 
transferred by offsets; generally only one offset was measured, a rear 
signal properly located in the random line, was used as a backsight 
for a new line, the offset being measured at the instrument. Occa- 
sionally both rear signal and instrument were moved, and the offset 
at each carefully measured. Parallelism was rarely undertaken. By 
this means a close connection was kept between all the random lines 
run, the angular deflections in direction being calculated from the 
distances and offsets. This systeni was carried on over the entire 
line upon tlie preliminary suj-vey. When the ground was favorable 
and the country clear, the transit lines were some of them quite long, 
and the deflection points quite a distance apart. When the country 
was rough and covered with timber, the changes in direction were 
made with shorter backsights and smaller offsets. 

By carefully connecting all the monuments, stakes, marked trees, 
etc., found, with random lines by offsets, a very close traverse of the 
Boundary was obtained, and all its irregularities developed. 



No. 71.] 127 

Most of these upon the eastern half of the Parallel Boundary are 
comparatively slight, and might be attributed to the uncertainty of 
a Compass as an instrument of precision. The most apparent irregu- 
larities will be referred to in detail hereafter. 

The field-work in 1878 was commenced earl}^ in June, and was 
pushed forward until the entire Boundary, with the exception of the 
Wilderness section, was covered by the reconnaissance. 

The Wilderness section of the Boundary, between Milestones 168 
and 183, was omitted by consent of the Joint Commission, in order 
that the Boundary along the more valuable and thickly settled country 
west of the Wilderness, could all be completed within the season. 

The South-west Corner of Xew York was reached the 11"' day of 
October, and turning north, the Meridian Boundary was retraced. 
Upon the 25^'' day of October, the north end of the Meridian at Lake 
Erie was attained, and the work of the season was suspended. 

The Wilderness section omitted in 1878, was undertaken and com- 
l>leted in July and August, 1879. And later in the same season the 
eastern 40 miles, upon which the compass was used exclusively in 
the reconnaissance of 1877, was very carefull}' re-surveyed with the 
transit. Milestone 1 was found at this time, some 66 feet"South of 
the compass random of 1877. 

Astronomical Observations by the United States Coast and 
Geodetic Survey ; and Operations of the New York State 
Survey. 

In order to test the accuracy of the original astronomical location 
of the Boundary, the Joint Commission in 1877 requested the Su- 
perintendent of the United States Coast Survey to undertake a 
series of observations for Latitude at four stations at various points. 
Assistant Edwin Smith of the Coast Survey was detailed by the 
Superintendent to make these observations. The stations occupied 
in 1877 were '• Travis," near the Initial Point on the Delaware; 
"•Finn,"' near Milestone 20 in the Susquehanna Valley ; "Burt," 
between Milestones 69 and 70, South-east of Elmira ; and " Clark" 
5,480 feet East of the " Coi-ner." Telegraphic observations for 
Longitude were also made at the first three of these stations. 

In 1879 the Joint Commission decided to request the Superin- 
tendent of the Coast Survey to undertake a series of astronomical 
observations at nine additional stations which were to be located at 
convenient points, to divide the Boundary approximately into Sec- 
tions of uniform length. These stations were : '" Little Meadows," 
in the Apalachin Yalley, at Milestone 39|-; ■" Waverly," in the vil- 
lage of that name in the Chemung Yalley, 860.8 feet East of Mile- 
stone 60 ; " Lawrenceville," at Milestone 90, between the Tioga and 
Cowanesqua Kivers; " Austinburg," in the valley of Troup's Creek, 
between Milestones 109 and 110; " Genesee Yalley " west of the 
Genesee River, 1,104.85 feet East of Milestone 129 ; "Ceres," west 
of the village of that name, in the valley of Oswayo River, near 



128 [Se.\ate 

Milestone 149; "Tuna Yalley'' at the Seventh Latitude Stone, 
upon the flats west of the Tunaunguant Creek; " Corydon," at 
Milestone 184 in the Allegany Valley ; and " Sugar Grove," about a 
mile north of the village of that name, between Milestones 203 and 
204. The observations at these stations were all made by Assistant 
Smith. No obsei-vations were made for longitude in 1879. The 
results of the observations for Latitude and Longitude are given in 
detail in Appendix D. Those stations which were occupied before 
or during tlie reconnaissance were carefully connected with its lines. 
A few of the othei's were afterward located and connected with the 
lines of the reconnaissance, before the commencement of the finu. 
work of adjustment in 1881. At most of the stations occupied in 
1819 the observing party failed to leave permanent meridians, so 
that when the>e stations were reached, their connection with the 
Boundary could only be made approximately. Permanent meridians 
marked hy monuments will be found at stations Travis, Finn, Little 
Meadows, Burt and Clark. 

The New York State Survey, befoi'e its suspension, had extended 
its system of triangles south across the State to the Boundary, and 
had established Primary and Secondary Stations adjacent to the 
Line as far west as Steuben County. Several of these stations are 
situated in Pennsylvania. At one point only has this Survey yet 
made a direct connection with the Boundary. This is at Station 
Warren in the north-east corner of Bradford County, Penn. 
From this Station the positions of Milestones 40, 41,42 and 43 have 
been accurately fixed. The results at this Station are given in Ap- 
l?endix D. 

It is to be hoped that this important pubHc work may be resumed 
at an early date, and that by its means the positions of all the mile- 
stones may be as accuratelv known. 

Initial Point. Its Probable Position, 

The positions of these Stations formed a convenient division of 
the Parallel 13oundary into Sections of about 20 miles, except that 
between Stations '* Waverly " and " Burt,'' which is less than ten 
miles. This division into Sections will be made use of in describing 
the condition of the Boundary developed by the reconnaissance, the 
first section extending from the Initial Point to Station Finn. At the 
Initial Point, as was stated in the outset, no vestige of tlie original 
monuments was found. The Delaware Kiver, where it is intersected 
by the Parallel Boundary, flows in a shallow current toward tlie 
south-east after having swept from the west and north around the 
peninsula which forms the arable portion of " John Carpenter's 
Military Location," the south-east point of Broome County. Upon 
its south-west bank are precipitous bluffs at the foot of a steep wooded 
mountain slope. These bluffs, or the probable alluvial flat at theii* 
base, being exposed to the erosive effects of every freshet in the 
stream within the last hundred years, have been gradually under- 



No. 71.] 129 

mined, until the monument which Dr. Rittenhouse and Capt. Hol- 
land placed upon the right bank, tumbled out many years ago, and 
has disappeared. 

This monument was of blue stone. This is the recollection of 
Mr. M. R. Hulce, who had seen it lying beside the River, when a 
youth.* Its probable site is discussed farther on. 

Upon the opposite side of the stream are broad flats, between 
which and the bluffs lies, for some distance, a bayou. Near the 
upper end of the flats are evidences of a former channel connecting 
the bayou with the river. Upon this flat, at that time an island, 
Messrs. Rittenhouse and Holland fixed the Initial Point of the 
Boundary in 1774, setting a monument to mark the point, as is 
stated in their report heretofore quoted. These flats are swept by the 
freshets of every spring, which carry with them ice and logs and 
flood-wood with irresistible force, and the monument undoubtedly, 
early disappeared before the glacial action of one of these floods. 
The action of high water in tlie river during the past century has, 
without doubt, materially clianged the form and appearance of the 
islands and shores, so that were the base of the monument still in exist- 
ence, it would be a difficult matter to find it, without digging over a 
considerable area of tlie island. Upon the low point of hard land which 
projects to the river bank just above the island, Messrs. Rittenhouse 
and Holland probably set up their Sector upon the " beech stump cut 
high for ye observation." Froui the right bank of the River, the 
Boundary passes quite diagonally up the steep mountain slope nearly 
to the summit, and then down into a deep gorge upon the west side 
of which Milestone 1 was found in 1879. 

One mile east of Milestone 1 is at a point some distance from 
high-water mark of the Delaware in the present channel, 132 feet 
west of its present center. It may be questioned whether the orig- 
inal surveyors commenced their measurements at the monument on 
the right bank, or at the probable center of the river. Judging 
from the present condition of things, not taking into consideration 

* Mr. Hulce, who is above the age of 80, and stiU active, ia a native of Deposit 
hia place of residence, about 7 miles above the Initial Point. The latter locality 
and all its traditions have been familiar to him from childhood. In a letter since 
this part of the report was written, he says, " Your suggestion that the shore of 
the right side of the river extended out some distance from the base of the steep 
Isank in 1774 is undoubtedly correct. The flat then extended farther down than 
now. Messrs. Rittenhouse and Holland say they made a heap of stones at high- 
water mark, and four rods farther west set up a monument; this monument stood 
near the foot of the steep bank or hill, where the river shore now is. It was of 
common blue stone. The one on the Island was of marble, brought up in a canoe 
by Rittenhouse. * ****!□ August, 1814, there came an unprecedented 
flood in the Delaware River, which swept off portions of alluvial flats and in- 
creased tlie width of the river at least one-quarter of its present width. The 
flood washed away the shore nearly to the second monument of Rittenhouse and 
Holland. A slide of earth some years after carried this monument a short 
distance down to near high-water mark, when F. Greenman set it up against a tree. 
About fifty years ago Newel Evans built a mill-dam across the river a short dis- 
tance below, and his workmen in gathering stone took it and put it in the dam, 
as I was told by one of the party who did it." 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] " 17 



130 [Senate 

any changes whicli nndonbtedly have taken place in the channel of 
the river in the past ill years, it would seem as though the distances 
were measured from a point in the channel.* Sketch No. 7 exhib- 
its the outlines of the river banks and bluffs as they exist at pres- 
ent. From an inspection of the sketch, a clear idea may be formed 
of the possible change in the line of the channel since the point was 
fixed. Compare with Sketch No. 2. 

If the south-westerly bank of the river was originally as now, a 
high bluff underlaid with rock which reaches above ordinary high- 
water mark, the freshets would have made but a slight impression 
upon its outline. While the flood is confined within the banks of 
the river, the force of the current as it swings around the bend at 
the east end of " Carpenter's Location " against the left or easterly 
bank, is deflected to the right and strikes the opposite shore just 
above the Boundary, but the water in this case is not high enough 
to have a very marked effect upon the bluff as it now stands, 
altliough at a point above the intersection of the Line the bluff 
shows recent effects of the erosion. And right at the intersection 
of the Boundary, since the reconnaissance, there has been consider- 
able slip in the face of the bluff' from the undermining action of 
the warer. When the freshets are at their highest, the high water 
spreads over the flats on the left bank, and the current is not thrown 
with full force against the bluffs on the other side. 

The main channel of the stream undoubtedly, at an early day, was 
through the present bayou north of Monument Island. In this case 
there was considerable flat land or lower ground in front of the bluff' 
upon the other bank. The current of the river has gradually worn its 
way toward the right through the alluvial soil of the flat, and silt- 
ing up its old bed, formed the island upon M-hich the flrst monu- 
ment was ])laced, and at the time the Initial Point was fixed (1774) 
a considerable portion of the flat may have remained upon the right 
bank in front of the bluff; or the latter may have sloped more 
gradually farther out into the present limits of the channel. This 
must have been the case. For, if the right bank of the river had 
at that time been a steep declivity as it now is, its slope would 
hardly have been selected as the site of the Initial Monument which 
Messrs. Rittenhouse and Holland say they placed four perches from 
the heap of stones at high-water mark. The distance along the line 
from high-water mark to the top of the bluff, within which there is 
now no stable site for a monument, ts about 155 feet — nearly ten 
perches. Thus it seems highly probable that the western monu- 
ment was set upon lower ground, Avhich has since been entirely 
M^orn away by the river, and that the ash tree which they marked at 
eigliteen perches farther west, was upon the high ground near the 
edge of the present bluff. 

* In the Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature confirming the survey, an ab- 
stract from which is given upon a previous page in this report, the statement is 
made that the milestones are marked with their distances from the stone on the 
"small island." 



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ETCH No. 7. 

iware River 

INITIAL POINT. 



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No. 71.] 131 

The snrvey of the nortli-east corner Warrant of Pennsylvania 
l)egan at the Monnment on the right bank of the River, and the 
distance of this monnment from George Palmer's " 2-mile Birch," 
according to the varions intermediate wan-ant surveys, was 635^ 
perches (158.88 chains ; 73.9 feet less than two miles).* This dis- 
tance measnred from the probable remains of the "two-mile birch" 
reaches into the present channel, as shown in the Sketch, to a point 
but 23 feet short of one mile east of Milestone 1. 

It is perhaps useless now to speculate upon the reason why these 
important monuments were placed in such exposed positions. Undej- 
the present conditions momiments placed at corresponding points 
would hardly survive the vicissitudes of the first winter and spring 

The entire country being at that time covered with forest, it is 
probable that the extreme freshets of later days were unknown and 
that the appearance of the banks indicated greater stability than 
they have since shown. 

Condition of the Boundary as Devei-oped by the Reconnais- 
sance. 

Between Milestone 1 and Milestone 5 nothing authentic was found. 
The remnant of old Milestone 3 was lying among the stone upon 
the surface of an abrnpt rocky slope. The line fences and old cor- 
ners exhibited an uncertainty of direction attributable to the de- 
struction of the original marks. Upon the M-est side of Sand Pond 
Brookf flats, the land is owned upon both sides of the Boundary by 
one person, and is not indicated by fences. Near the left bank of 
this stream are the remains of the yellow birch wliich marks the 
South-east corner of the Delaware Tract. For some distance in 
either direction from this the fences, when there are any, are proba- 
bly upon the Palmer Line of 17S4. 

The general alignment of the First Section, as shown by the mile- 
stones, is quite uniform ; no very marked deflections being apparent 
at the various mile points. 

Milestones 5, 6 and 7 were found apparently undisturbed, except 
in the case of the latter, which had been badly shattered by the ac- 
tion of fire and falling timber. Between this and Milestone 10 the 
line through the open woods was only indicated by a few marked 
trees and occasional stakes, the Palmer line, a short distance north, 
being more plainly indicated where the original timber is standing. 

Between Milestones 11 and 15, which were both found in place, 
the fence line again exhibited an uncertainty of purpose, although 
the two monuments (almost the only intermediate monuments in ex- 
istence) at the intersection of the Susquehanna River, are very 

* The survey of Jobu Carpenter's Military Location in New York makes tlii.s 
distance but 150 chains, which would not reach down to the foot of the mouu 
tain slope west of the River. This distance is i)robably erroneous, and must bavts 
been intended as 160 chains. 

f Known in the early surveys as the *' Little Kookhoose liiver." 



132 [Senate 

nearly in line between the two milestones. From Milestone 16 to 
19 was another blank interval, verj fairly marked, however, b}^ the 
fences. Milestone 19 seemed to have been disregarded by early ISTew 
York surveys from the West, which to within 800 feet of the Mile- 
stone are marked by stakes and fences some 40 feet south of the 
line. A stone monument marking an old Pennsylvania corner, 165 
feet west of 19, was found to be witliin a foot of the Milestone line. 
Milestone 20, upon the flats east of the Susquehanna River, was 
not found. 

Upon the Second Section, between Stations "Finn" and "Little 
Meadows," the First Latitude Stone at 20f miles, and Milestones 23, 
26, 33, 36 and 39 were the only original monuments found m place. 
Four others were found, but these had been pulled up and moved 
about, beyond the memory of iuan. Other authentic points were 
found, especially in the long interval between Milestones 26 and 33, 
which were afterward made use of in adjusting the Boundary along 
this Section. These points were ; — a stone pile upon the high 
rocky summit west of the Susquehanna River, upon the probable 
position of Milestone 21. placed by County Commissioners of 
Susquehanna County under the supervision of Col. Gere, several 
years before the i-econnaissance of the Boundary, to mark the corner 
of tlie towns of Great Bend and Lil)erty ; a small stone monnment 
marking a Pennsylvania corner at or near the site of Milestone 28 : 
and a large stoiie iirmly set in a large stone pile near the 31 mile 
])oint, which had for many 3'ears been recognized as a " State Line 
Monument." 

At the First Latitude Stone there is a quite perceptible bend in 
the Boundary to the right (north) and at Milestone 21 another, the 
two forming a deflection of one degree. At Milestones 28, 31, 33, 
and 35, the Boundary bends quite decidedly the other way. 

Upon the Third Section between Stations " Little Meadows " and 
" Waverly," all the Milestones except 42, 45, 56, and 58 were found 
undisputedly in place. Milestone 45 stood in the center ot a road 
and had been broken in pieces, but its site was readily identified. 
Milestone 54 had been broken down years ago but had been replaced 
with a more durable slab of rock. The same may be said of Milestone 
47. A substantial stone monument marked with a cross, and some 
old field-notes of surveys of the Wheeler Douglass Military Location, 
made before Milestone 58 was lost, made the replacement of that 
Milestone a matter of no difficulty. 

At Milestone 40 upon the summit of a point of a high hil\ on the 
west side of the Apalachin Yalley, a marked bend to the left (south) 
occurs beyond which for the remainder of the Section, the Milestones 
are in an irregular curve toward the right, bending quite perceptibly 
north of M^est at Milestones 54 and 55. 

The Fourtli and Fifth Sections, between Stations Waverly and 
Lawrenceville cover the ground of the fourth section of the original 
sui'vey, and will be considered together. Milestone 60, in the heart 



I 



No. 71.] 133 

of the village of "Waverlj, had been dug up and carried awav, and 
the exact line through the village had been a matter of dispute. 
Milestones 63 and 64 had been pulled up and moved ; 70, 76, and 77 
were entirely missing ; there was some doubt about tlio integrity of 
79 and 80, although they were hnally accepted as in place. The 
same may be said of Milestone 82, the monument upon which 
depended the surveys of miUions of acres in Western New York. 
Milestones 83 and 87 had been lost, and 84 and 85 had been pulled 
up and removed ; and the Fourth Latitude Stone upon the left bank 
of the Tioga River had been washed out long since. 

Tlie line through the village of Waverly was adjusted at once by 
alignment between Milestone 59 and an original monument at 60|- 
miles. The Une adopted was a curve having the normal curvature 
of the parallel of 42®. Monuments were set at each street intersec- 
tion by the village authorities, and Milestone 60 was re])lace(l. The 
direction of the line through the village is North 80° 15' West (true) : 
a marked deflection to the left occurs at 60|- mile monument and 
another to the right at Milestone 61 on the riglit bauk of the Che- 
mung River, so that the line west of the latter if prolonged East, 
would pass over ten feet South of the line through the village. The 
Boundary, between Milestones 61 and SO, consists of two somewhat 
uneven tangents joined between 75 and 81 by an irregular curve 
convex northward, flattened between Milestones 75 and 78 by the 
interpolation of a strait line. At Milestone 89, an'abrupt deflection 
to the right (north), and at the site of the Fourth Latitude Stone, a 
deflection to the left take the Line across the Cowanesqua Flats. 
While the Boundary at either end of the two Sections is from 70 to 
105 feet north of the Astronomical Parallel, in the middle at Mile- 
stone 75, its latitude as deduced from Stations Burt and Lawrence- 
ville is 42° 00' 09". 53, or 965 feet north of the same parallel. 

Upon the Sixth Section the general alignment of the Boundary 
is more nearly west, with some irregularities. At Milestone 92 an 
abrupt deflection to the north occurs, and another nearly as great 
at 93. 

Milestones 95 and 102 were entirely lost ; 93 had been pulled up 
and broken in pieces; 100 had been washed out by floods in a small 
brook ; 107 had been displaced ; and the Fifth Latitude Stone had 
been torn from its place by floods in Troup's Ci-eek. 

No material discrepancies in the alignment are perceptible in the 
line of occupation in the vacant intervals. 

Some very marked unevenness occurs upon the Seventh Section 
between Stations " Austinsburg" and '' Genesee Valley." At Mile- 
stone 117 an abrupt bend to the left (south) occurs and a similar one 
to the right at 120 ; and the line Avest of the latter produced east 
would pass 200 feet south of the Line cast of the former. From Mile- 
stone 120 west, the Boundary is comparatively even in alignment, with 
a bend toward the right at 126. Milestone 111 was entirely missing, 
lp;hadl)cen pulled up and moved about; but an old Township 



134 [Sknate 

Corner, a short distance west, and the notes of Surveys of the Phelps 
and Gorhani's Purchase, afforded ready means for replacing it ; Mile- 
stones 118 and 123 had been pulled up and left upon the surface of 
the ground , and 126 had been dug out in working a road. 

Upon the Eighth and jSTinth Sections, between Stations " Genesee 
Valley " and " Tuna Valley," and particularly the portion between 
Milestones 135 and 155, is the most irregular portion of the Bound- 
ary, and upon the crooked portion occur a number of vacant inter- 
vals. Upon this crooked portion also, in the valley of the Honeoye 
^reek in the vicinity of Milestone 1-11, the location of the Boundary 
had been in litigation, and was still practically unsettled. There is 
comparatively little unevenness between Milestones 129 and 135. 
Milestone 131 had been lost and 133 had been plowed out. A bend 
to the right (north) occurs at 135 ; a very abrupt crook to the left 
at 136, and another toward the right at the Sixth Latitude Stone at 
136| miles. West of the latter monument, owing to a probable 
local magnetic error, the i-andom line of the original Survey was 
thrown more than a degree too far to thq South, resulting in the 
enormous error at the next correction station, of nearly five-eighths 
of a mile. The random line, owing, no doubt, to the local irregn- 
larities of the variation of the needle, was crooked, and the crooked- 
ness was repi'oduced in correcting into the final location. Sketch 
No. 8 exhibits on an exaggerated scale the condition of this 2:)ortion 
of the Boundary. 

Milestones 139, 140, 141, 145, 147 and 148 upon the Eighth Sec- 
tion, and 149, 150 and 166 upon the Ninth Section were entirely 
missing; 142 had been dug up in making a road, and afterward 
broken in pieces; 143 was found, in 1S84, lying upon the surface of 
the ground; 146, 153, 158, 160 and 167 had been pulled up; 145 
was found in place, in 1884, after a protracted searcli, and 152 and 
154 were abo found the same year at obscure points. A very abrupt 
bend to the left (south) exists at Milestone 144, and as great a bend 
toward the right at 145. But one greater angle than either of these 
two exists upon the line, that at the Seventh Latitude Stone at the 
western ext • nity of the ninth section. Very perceptible crooks 
occur : to chv. left, at 148 ; to the right, at 149 and 150 ; to the left, 
at 153 and 157 ; to the right, at 160 ; to the left, at 161, and to the 
right again at 164, the intermediate portions of the Boundary being 
tolerably regular. Devious and irregular fences at many points, 
with duplicate lines of marked trees at others, added to the original 
uncertainty of the Line. 

U])on these sections, originally so crooked and with so many va- 
cant intervals, a number of authentic points were identified, which 
were afterward nsed in the final adjustment. These were: the 
stump of an origmal marked tree east of Milestone 131 ; the monu- 
ment at the south-east corner of the Holland Land Company's Pur- 
chase ; a witnessed stake at the District Corner (Penn.), the probable 
site of Milestone 140 ; a section corner west of 141 ; a stone inonu- 




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1^0. 71. j 135 

ment marking a Holland Land Company's Section Corner upon the 
Oswayo Flats, 14 chains 10 links East of Milestone 14S ; the founda- 
tion of a chnrch, the north face of which was placed 3 feet south 
of the line, in the village of Ceres, a short distance east of Milestone 
149 ; an old corner-marked elm west of Milestone 150, and an ancient 
marked Hemlock upon the left bank of the Allegany River near 
153. At the Seventh Latitude fetone, the western extremity of the 
Section, the Boundary deflects to the left (south) 1° 41', the great- 
est crook at any one point upon the Parallel Boundary. 

Upon the Tenth Section, after passing the Seventh Latitude Stone, 
the line is very nearly straight to Milestone 171, where there is a 
deflection to the riglit (north) of about one degree, beyond which, to 
Milestone 179, the genei-al direction is slightly south of west with 
some unevenness of alignment. At Milestones 179, ISO and 181, 
the line gradually bends to the north of west by deflections of 30 to 
44'. This Section covers the Wilderness portion omitted in the re- 
connaissance of 1878, Milestones 169, 17'> and 177 had entirely 
disappeared, and 174 had lost its status. The remainder of the Mile- 
stones were accepted as in place. Two of the mile points of the 
Holland Land Company's Survey were identifled by means of the 
original witness trees, all of wliichwere standing about one of the 
points, and two remaining at the other. These points were the 3 
mile post upon the suuth line of Township 1, Range 7, and the 
south-west corner of tiie same township. From these, by means of 
the Holland Land Company's Field-Notes, the positions of Milestones 
174 and 177 were afterward lixed. , 

The close proximity, at the south, of Brady's Warrant line had 
contributed to the obscurity of the State Line between Mile- 
stones 177 and 183, and, in consequence, the intermediate milestones 
had been entirely lost sight of until discovered by the County line 
Commission in 1873. This obscurity may have been the means of 
their preservation. 

Along the Eleventh Section, from Station Corydon, the line 
passes, with a few minor intervening irregularities, with marked 
bends to the left (south) at Milestones "l85, 189, 191 and 192, and 
toward the right at 194." At the Eighth Latitude Stone at 195'- 
railes, a deflection of about one degree to the left occurs, and af 199 
another to the right of about the same amount. 

Upon this Section only Milestones 184,^* 188, 189, 192, 200 and 
203 and the Eighth Latitude Stone were found in place. The dis- 
placed remnams of Milestones 185, 186, 187, 190, 191, 195, 196, 
197 and 201 were found lying upon the ground. 

Several other authentic points were identified, which were after- 
ward used in adjusting the Boundary upon some of the vacant inter- 
vals. These points were : — the 4 Mile Post upon the south line of 

■" Milestone 184 was a stone set up by the McKean and Warren Counly Line 
(.'onimissiou in 187;} Xo original milestone was ever known at this point. The 
stone set up in 187:J was accepted, after a careful investigation 



136 [Skxate 

Township 1, Range 10, 1107.75 feet west of Milestone 191, located in 
ISTO, bj O. D. liinckley, from un original witness tree ; the sand- 
stone monument set by A. T. Prendergast in 1871, at the 194 mile 
point ;* and the 2^ mile post upon the south line of Township 1, 
Range 11, 286.1 feet East of Milestone 199, located by Mr. Hinck- 
ley in 1870, fronl an original witness tree. 

Upon this section, an extraordinary discrepancy in distance in the 
original survey was discovered. It was tirst noticed in inspecting 
the iield-notes of the Holland Land Company's surveys across the 
south end of Range 10 (the east range of Chautauqua County) which 
was laid out six miles wide, none of the milestones are noted in the 
Company's Field Book. LTpon the south end of Range 9, Milestone 
189 was located 1372.8 feet east from the south-west corner. On the 
south line of Range 11, the Eighth Latitude Stone at 195^ miles is 
noted as 771.5 feet weot of the south-east corner of the Range. 
Thus these monuments Avhich purported from their marks to be 6 
miles 660 feet apart, seemed to be 6 miles 2144.3 feet. Upon the 
reconnaissance this was confirmed. The distance between these two 
monuments measured 6 miles 2143.3 feet, a very close agreement 
with the Holland Land Company's measurements. Milestone 192, 
the only one in place upon the south end of Range 10, was found in 
1878. Its distance from 189 is 3 miles 376.5 feet, still leaving be- 
tween 192 and 195, the extravagant surplus of 1106.8 feet across 
the Conewango Valley, the tlats in which at the time the line was 
run wei'e covered by a dense black ash swamp. 

The Twelfth Section, from Station Sugar G-rove to the " Corner," 
was found almost entirely deficient in original monuments, Milestones 
204 and 208 being the only ones remaining. A innnber of other 
authentic points were found which.wereaftei'ward accepted and used 
in adjusting the Boundary along this Section. These were; — a sleigh- 
shoe driven to mark the corner of two Willink warrants in Pennsyl- 
vania, the site of Milestone 205 ; theremainsof ancient stakes wliich 
for years have marked a warrant corner, the site of Milestone 207 ; 
the 3 mile post upon the south line of Township 1 of Range 13, a 
short distance east of Milestone 210, located from original witness 
trees identified in 1870, by Mr. Hinckley ; a stake and stones upon 
the site of Milestone 212 making a \Villink (Penn.) warrant corner; 
a Llolland Land Company's section corner stake 696.1 feet west of 
Milestone 215, set many years ago from the original witnesses; an- 
other Section Corner 529.4 feet west of Milestone 218, the orio-inal 



*The late Judge Foote of! Jamestown, in a letter to Secretary Wool worth in 
1868, says: "The State Line between Chautauqua County, N. Y., and Warren 
County, Pa., passes within about 8 miles of this village, and on the old stage-road 
from this to Warren, Pa., as I have travelled over that road from time to time 
for more than 53 years. I knew when I passed tlie line, altliougli iu native 
vvoodhmd by a certain white oak tree on the east side of the road" [near the 194 
mile pointj. " That tree is dead and nearly gone with its many marks upon it, 
and soon no trace of it will remain 

" I could relate many comical anecdotes of persons fleeing past that point to the 
' City of Refuge.' witli an officer iu pursuit, especially before the law for non-im- 
prisonment for debt was enacted." 



No. 71.3 13 



witnesses to which are still standing'; and the 5^ uiiie 2X)st upon the 
south line of Township 1, liaug-c io, 2002.4 feet west of Milestone 
2lt), located from the stump of an original witness identilied by iVIr. 
Hinckley, some years before his official reconnaissance of this portion 
of the Boundary. 

For nearly the entire length of the Section, owung to the loss of 
the original monuments, the devious fences showed a remarkable de- 
gree of uncertainty at many points. In the vicinity of Milestone 
214, the location of the line had been for years the subject of bitter 
litigation. This uncertain condition afforded a very fair opportunity 
in the final adjijstment, by the use of the few authentic points iden- 
tified, to reduce the general alignuient to a few long straight lines, 
one of which, west of Milestone 219, is the longest upon the entire 
Parallel. 

The following is a recapitulation of the situation in which the 
Parallel Jioimdary was found, so far as the original monuments were 
concerned : 

Milestones in place and undisputed 123 

Milestones found removed from their places and in various stages of dilapida- 
tion 37 

Milestones entirely missing 60 

Latitude Stones in pla«e (two broken down) 5 

Latitude Stone found out of place (broken) 1 

Latitude Stones entirely missing ^ 2 

Holland Company's monuments in place 3 

Holland Company's monuments missing. , . 1 

Other intermediate monuments found in place 3 

Initial Monuments gone 2 

241 



Intermediate monuments may have l)een placed at the second aud 
third intersections of the Susquehanna River, but they have entirely 
disappeared. Of the milestones found in place at least 25 had been 
more or less broken, some of them quite badly shattered, and three 
others had been so broken that at some time interested parties had 
replaced them with better stones. 

In general along the entire Parallel the distances between the 
milest^jnes is in excess of one mile. There is no uniformity in the 
amount of the surplus, except on a few short sections. In a few of 
the intervals the distances are a little less than one mile, and in a few 
others the variation from a mile is but trifling. The shortest inter- 
val, — between Milestones 152 and 153 — is 5017.7 feet, and the 
longest interval, except the intervals between Milestone 192 and the 
Eighth Latitude Stone, is 5513 feet between Milestones 180 and 181. 
This irregularity in distance made it very difficult to find many of 
the original milestones in obscure localities. The search for Mile- 
stone 145 was a notable instance. It was not found upon the recon- 
naissance. From the talk of residents in the vicinity during the final 
adjustment in 1884, it was supposed to be still in existence PVom 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 18 



138 [Senate 

the peculiar condition of the recognized Line it was quite necessary 
that it should be found ; without it, a portion of the Boundary would 
possibly have to be changed over a hundred feet from its traditional 
location. Its place was upon a steep hillside cov^ered with old fallen 
trees, and upturned roots of "windfalls of an early date ; a few old 
dead trees standing, intersj^ersed with saplings, bushes and young 
trees, a very unpromising locality. A careful inspection of the 
marks on the few remaining old trunks limited the site to a com- 
paratively small space which was carefully examined by the entire 
party for over an hour, with final success, the monument having 
been broken down and entirely buried by a fallen tree. 

The distance from the Initial Point of 1786 to the "• Corner " by 

the Milestones is 224 . 84 miles 

Chained distance (1877-8) from the probable position 
of the Initial Monument + 1 mile (East of Mile 
stone 1) 226.84 do 



Thus the measured distance from the Delaware to the " Corner" 
is two miles in excess of the distance as indicated by the Milestones 
The distance between Station Travis and the Meridian Boundary, 
deduced from the Astronomical results of the Coast Survey observa- 
tionsiit the former Station and the Lake Survey Longitude of the mon- 
ument at the north end of the Meridian Boundary is 226.82 miles. 
The chained distance is. 227. 13 do 



Milestone 40 is the farthest point East yet fixed geodetically. This 
Avas done in 1882 by the New York State Survey by connection 
with the TJ. S. Lake Survey Systom of triangles.* The Geodetic 
distance AVest from this Milestone to the " Corner," the position of 
the latter being derived from the U. S. Lake Survey Longitude, is 
186.16 miles; chained distance 1877-9, 186.31 miles; original 
distance by the Milestone-s, l'^4.84 miles, 

DlSOCSSlOX IJY THE CoMMISSIONKKS OF THE PrOPER MeTHOD OF 

Adjustment. 

The reconnaissance of the entire Boundary being completed, and 
the line being found to vary quite materially at many points from 
the parallel of Latitude along which it was supposed to have been 
run, the subject of the final adjustment and permanent marking of 
the Boundary was considered by the Joint Commission. This 
involved the question of the power of the Joint Commission to cor- 
rect the errors of the original survey : and of the policy of a change 
in the line however erroneous it might be, after having been 
accepted as a Boundary line by botli States, for more than ninety 
years, without question. 

The Legislature of New York by the following " Act to provide 

"See Appendix D. 



i 

I 



ERRATUM. 



Line 15 sliould read: "of the Initial Monument (1 Mile East of 
Milestone 1)." 



r 



J 



No. 71.] 139 

for the settlement of the Boundary Hnes between the State of New- 
York, and the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively," 
passed May 20, 1880, stated the position of that state upon the 
subject. 

" Section 1. Whereas, by an Act of the Legislature, passed the 
twenty-sixth day of May, eighteen hundred and seventy-five, the 
Regents of the Univei'sity were authorized and directed, 'in con- 
nection with the . authorities of Pennsylvania and. New Jersey, 
respectively, to replace any monuments which have become dilapi- 
dated or been removed, on the boundary lines ot those States ; ' and, 
whereas, from the examination made by said Regents it has been 
found that said monuments, as located by tne original joint commis- 
sioners, do not conform in all cases to the verbal descriptions of said 
lines, and questions have arisen between the Commissioners of said 
States as to the proper location of said monuments ; therefore, it is 
hereby declared that the lines originally laid down and marked with 
monuments by the several Joint Commissions duly appointed for 
that purpose, and which have since been acknowledged and legally 
recognized by the several States interested, as the limits of their 
territory and jurisdiction, are the Boundary lines of said States, irre- 
spective of want of conformity to the verbal descriptions thereof. 

" § 2. Said Regents are hereby authorized and empowered to desig- 
nate and appoint three of their number as Commissioners to meet 
such Commissioners as have been or may be appointed and ^'ested 
with similar powers, on the part of the States of Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey, or either of them, and with such last-mentioned Com- 
missioners, as soon as may be, to ^^I'oceed to ascertain and agree 
upon the location of said lines as originally established and marked 
with monuments ; and in case any monuments are found dilapidated 
or removed from their original location, said Commissioners are 
authorized to renew or replace them in a durable manner, in theii' 
original positions and to erect such additional monuments at such 
places on said lines as they may deem necessary for the proper desig 
nation of the boundary lines of said States. The said Regents shall 
report the action of said Commissioners to the Legislature of the 
State for its consideration and ratification." * 

Li accordance with the provisions of this Law, the Board of 
Regents designated the members of the Boundary Committee as the 
Commission to carry out its instructions. 

A copy of the law, with the action of the Board of Regents, was 
transmitted to the Commissioners from Pennsylvania, and corre- 
spondence ensued between the chairmen of the two commissions. 

[The letters which passed between Col. Worrall and Chancellor 
Pierson are given in full in the report of the Commissioners, which 
prefaces this report.] 

The New York Commissioners reported in January, ISSl, to the 
Board of Regents as follows : 



* Chapter 340, Laws of 1880. 



140 [Senate 

" The Coramissiouers, appointed under chapter 340 of the Laws 
of 1880, on the Boundary lines between the State of JSTew York 
and the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively, sub- 
mit to the Board of Regents the following report : 

" The purpose of the law, under which, this Commission was ap- 
pointed, appears plainly to have been,^V6'^, to make an authoritative 
declaration as to the principles ou which the settlement of these 
Boundary lines must be eft'ected, and secondly^ to provide for the 
appointment of Connnissioners with adequate authority to effect 
this settlemenl'. The duly of the Commission is, therefore, to take 
up the work carried on by the Joint Commissioners authorized by 
chapter 424 of the Laws of 1875, and which was fully detailed in 
the report of the New York Commissioners, transmitted by the 
Board to the last Legislature. 

" It seemed appropriate, however, that tlie Pennsylvania Com- 
missioners should be informed of the new action of the New York 
Legislature, and of the re-apj^ointment of the old Commissioners, to 
act under the new law. Accordingly a copy of the act of 1880 was 
transmitted to Col. Worrall, as well as the report of Major Clarke, 
the surveyor who had been einployed to make the examination of 
the Boundary line. 

" The further correspondence on this subject is herewith submit- 
ted. It indicates a fundamental divergence in opinion, as to the 
further steps to be taken in the settlement of the Boundary. The 
Pennsylvania Commissioners favor the establishment of a line by 
rigorously scientific methods, on the 42nd ])arallel. This would 
constitute in fact a new Boundary, differing in its entire length from 
that which was run l)y the joint commissioners in 1786 and 1787, 
and which has since been the recognized partition line. On the 
other hand, the act of the New York Legislature, above referred to, 
declares the whole line to bo the true and only Boundary, irrespect- 
ive of its want of conformity to the verbal description, and 
authorizes the Commissioners to ascertain the location of the lines 
as originally run, and to renew and replace the monuments thereon. 

" The New York Commissioners have deemed it their duty in .re- 
plying to the chairman of the Pennsylvania Commissioners to enter 
somewhat at length into the subject, and to explain the very de- 
cided and unequivocal position which the State of New York has 
taken. It is hoped that from this discussion may be developed some 
common ground for the two States, and that the Legislature of Penn- 
sylvania may take such action as wjU enable the question to be settled." 

The following Documents were also submitted with this report. 
Copies of them had been previously forwarded to Col. Worrall. 

" Office of the Regents, Albany, Dec. 20, 1880. 

"James T. Gardiner, Esq., Director of the State Survey : 

" Dear Sir — Questions having arisen in the Joint Commission 
on the Boundary line between New York and Pennsylvania, as to the 



No. 71.] 141 

principles to be followed in restoring said lines, the New I'ork 
Commission respectfully request that you will furnish them with 
such information, as your experience may suggest, as to the rules 
which have governed the marking out on the ground, and the re- 
storing when partially lost, of boundaries between the States of the 
United States, and between the United States and other countries, 
when such boundaries are described by parallels of latitude; and 
also as to the feasibilit}^ of surveying and marking a line so that it 
can always be found with ease and precision. 

" The importance to the State of adopting a true policy in i-egard 
to this c^uestion is my excuse for giving j^ou this trouble. 
" Respectfully yours, 

" HENRY R. PIERSON, Chairman." 



" New York State Survey, Office of the Director, ) 
Albany, Decemljer 21, 1880, \ 

" To the ITonoraoie Henry R. Pir<:RsoN, Chairman of the New York 
Coviinission on the New Yorh and Pennsylvania Boundary 
Line : 

" Dear Sir — In response to your inquiries for information, as to 
the rules which have governed the marking out on the ground, or 
restoring when partially lost, of boundaries between the States and 
Territories of the United States, and between the United States aiid 
other countries, when such boundaries are described as parallels of 
latitude, and in answer to your question as to the feasibility of mark- 
ing and surveying a line, so that it can always be found with ease and 
precision, I have the honor to replay, that every State and Terri- 
tory of the Union, except two, is partially bounded in descriptions, 
be they, decrees, laws or agreements, by parallels of latitude, and 
that only one general method has been employed in defining these 
parallels upon the ground, so far as I have been able to learn their 
history ; that there is therefore a perfectly settled usage, by which 
commissioners and surveyors of State and territorial boundaries 
have interpreted the words ' parallel of latitude,' occurring in de- 
scriptions of boundaries; that this um'form method of interpretation 
has been repeatedly ratified by the States and General Government, 
and established by decisions of the Supreme Court of the United 
States ; that in restoring old lines practice has long ago settled upon 
certain methods as being in the whole fairest ; and last!}', that it is 
perfectly within the means of trigonometrical surveying to fix the 
position of any line so that it may always be easily and accurately 
found. 

"All public boundaries on parallels have in this country been run 
by determining astronomically certain points on the astronomical par- 
allel, and then attempting to run straight lines between the points 



142 [Senate 

so fixed. The resulting line is invariably and necessarily crooked. 
Every State or United States houndary laid down on maps as a 
straight east and west line is really crooked on the ground. 

" The first cause of this is the fact that it is not within the power 
of astronomy to fix points exactly east and west of one another., 
owing principally to the deflection of the plumb-line froui the vertical 
by the unequal density of the earth's crust. This source of error 
canjiot be overcome. It amounts often to hundreds of feet. The 
stations fixed by astronomical observation, as on a given parallel of 
latitude, are therefore not m a straight line, or arc of a circle, but a 
line running through them is always crooked. 

" Another source of error is in attempting to run straight lines be- 
tween the astronomical stations. These are always more or less bent, 
depending upon the refinement of method employed in alignment. I 
have examined the results of the recent reconnaissance of the New 
York and Pennsylvania Boundary, and am prepared to say, that both 
in straightness and in approximation to the parallel, it compares 
very favorably with similar boundaries of other States and Territo- 
ries, both east and west.* It is not unusually crooked, and it is un- 
usually near its true parallel. It probably conforms to its legal de- 
scription as nearly as any similar boundary in the United States. 

" Since this Boundary was fixed by the method always employed in 
la^'ing out boundaries described as parallel, and since the work was 
of the best (puility of its day, therefore, according to all precedent 
and legal ruling, there can be no doubt that the line marked on the 
ground by our Coirnnissioners in 1Y86 and 1787 is the bounding line 
between New York and Pennsylvania. Every effort should, there- 
fore, be made to restore this line. In such cases the practice is to 
use landmarks and all available testimony to recover as man}'- points 
on the line as possible, and then to connect these with straight lines. 
This method was adopted in the final settlement of the boundary 
between the United States and Great Britain, and with all other 
cases with which I am familiar. In the case of the New York and 
Pennsylvania Boundary, I see no reason for departing from this well- 
established practice. 

" When the line has been thus settled, it can be permanently pre- 
served by marking every angle with a gram'te post, and with under- 
ground marks not readily found except by surveyors. Every monu- 
ment should then be connected with the triangulation of the State 
Survey, whose stations on the neighboring hills will command the line, 
and from these State Survey stations any portion on the Boundary 
could be recovered, even if all visible trace of the boundarj'- monu- 

* Assistant Edwin Smith, of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, in 
reporting his observations of Latitude in 1879 says: " They she ,v a surprising 
•degree of accuracy in the survey of the line by Bittenhouse in 1787. His party 
must iuive cut their way through the woods. The line was run with a compass. 
and the instruments used to determine latitudes must have been inferior in con- 
struction as compared with those now employed." U. S. C. & G. Report, 1880, 
p. 18. 



No. 71. J 143 

ments was removed. The triangnlatiou of the N. Y. State Survey will 
reach the Peuusjlvania Boundary in the year 1881, and will be ex- 
tended along it. When this is done the crookedness of the line 
presents no obstacle to its being accurately surveyed and mapped, 
and it will be so connected with reference points, set by the State 
Survey, that no part of the line can never again be lost. 
" Verv respectfully yours, 

"JAMES T. GARDINER. 

" Director M. Y. State Survey:' 



"New York and Pennsylvania Boundary Survey, ( 
Syracuse, January 8, 188.1. j 

Hon. H. R. Pierson, Chairnian of the Bouiidary Cominission of 
the Regents of the University of New York : 

" Sir — In response to )^our note of 31 Dec, I have the honor to 
submit the following memoranda. 

" The scientific and legal objections to an entirely new line have 
been discussed elsewhere, and by other gentlemen. 

" The jjractical obstacles in the way of an adjustment of the Bound- 
ary upon a new line, howe\'er accurate or perfect, arise in the oppo- 
sition on the part of residents and property owners, to a change in 
a line which for nearly a century has been accepted as the correct 
boundary of farms and communities. Instances are rare, and the 
intervals short, where proprietors own^idjoining lands in both States, 
and have disregarded the Boundary as a division line. And in each 
one of tliese cases the Boundary forms the legal bound of separate 
premises in each State. 

" From my intercourse with the inhabitants upon the debatable 
ground, I am convinced that, although the parties directly affected 
by a change in the line might generally acquiesce in the change, if 
made by competent authority, for the same reason that they would 
submit to any arbitrary act of law, most, if not all of them, are cer- 
tainly unfavorably disposed toward the change for the following, 
among other reasons: — 

"' First. It will still leave in an unsettled, and at many points 
unsatisfactory, condition the old line which has for years formed, 
and will continue to form, a portion of their farm boundaries, and 
which at points even the most arbitrary settlement would be satis- 
factory. Were the maximum change but a few feet, the new line 
in time might gradually be accepted as the true land boundary, and 
the old line obliterated. In the actual situation of tlie case such an 
adjustment would be impossible, the variations being too great, 
Tlie line as originally run formed the base line for nearly all the 
land surveys in both States, and deeds and descriptions depend upon 
it or refer to it. 



144 [Senate 

"Second. While in a few rare instances, as in two or three cases 
in the village of South Waverly, Penn., and in Ceres, JN. Y., the 
entire area of a party's i)03sessions ina}^ l)e transferred from one 
State to the other, throughout the entire Boundary heside, a new 
Boundary -would divide tlie farms and premises it would intersect. 
This would subject each owner, upon a portion of his property, to 
assessment and other sumptuary laws entirely different from those 
under which he has perlia])3 alwaj^s lived. His land will be taxed 
under two different systems, paying a portion of his taxes into the 
treasury of a town or county in which he has no mterest, aside from 
the fact that a few acres of his land have been arbitrarily amiexed 
to its territory. He will also, of necessity, be required to perfect 
his title in two clerks' offices instead of one. As a peculiar example 
of the hardship such a state of affairs might entail upon parties 
affected by a change, I will refer to the village of Lawrenceville, 
Tioga County, Penn., at Milestone 90. The present Boundary, 
which is well marked by monuments and undisputed, forms the rear 
line of a row of village lots for about three-fourths mile, which 
front South upon a street parallel with the Boundary. The Astro- 
nomieal Parallel, as determined at that point in 1879, passes through 
the front part of all these lots, and perhaps intersects most of the 
houses. 

" In one instance however a change might be more favorably 
received. The present Boundary passing through the little village 
of Ceres, between the 148 and 149 mile points, intersects an extensive 
lumber mill and a large grist mill. Here frequently occur disputes 
over assessments in two communities, which are a fair example of 
what may arise at many points along the Boundary, if a new line be 
estal)lishcd. The proprietor of these establishments frequently 
expressed himself in hopes that a new line, if one should be fixed, 
would place his property entirel}'^ in one State or the other, he was 
indifferent which. It would relieve him and the town officers on 
both sides from frequent embarrassment. A new line, however, 
especially if laid along the Astronomical Parallel, would fail to en- 
tirely relieve him, although it would place the most valuable part of 
his property, the mills themselves, all in Pennsylvania. 

" Third. It would in many instances transfer the residence of 
parties, involuntarily, from a State whose laws and customs they 
have been familiar with for j^ears, to one in which the laws and 
customs are materially different. It would remove them and their 
families arbitrarily into new communities. 

" As the surface of the earth along the Boundary is so broken, the 
beauties of an accurate line will be hardly more apparent to the 
mind of the* passer-by than the irregularities of the present line.* As 

* There are very few points at which the deflections in the Boundary may be 
detected with the naked eye from intersecting highways. One of these points is 
in the Tuna Valley near Milestone 167, where occurs the greatest deflection in the 
line. 



Ko. 71.] 145 

long as an irregular line is so well and permanently marked that it 
may always be found, and it will satisfy ninety-nine-hundredths of 
the people interested, more than a new and perfect line in a new loca- 
tion. And the monuments which may be placed in the new line 
will be much more liable to interference, from interested parties, 
than if set in the old farm bounds. 

" In the reconnaissance of the Parallel Boundary, most of the 
ground had been passed over before the amount of variation from 
the parallel of 42° was known, except by inference from the irregu- 
larities in alignment. In consequence the occasions to sound the 
opinions of the inhabitants with whom I came in contact, upon the 
subject of a radical change in the location of the Boundary, were at 
a minimum. Had the place of the parallel been even approxi- 
mately known at all points in advance, I am confident that 1 should 
have daily met with opinions decidedly adverse to a change. Where 
by means of the astronomical observations, a marked variation was 
made known, as at stations " Firm," "Burt,"" and "Clark," where 
valuable lands and tenements would be transfered, opinions had 
become crj^stalized, and opposed to the adjustment of the Boundary 
npon the Astronomical Parallel, or any other, not coincident with 
the line as originally laid npon the ground. 

" The average American citizen is an individual technically tena- 
cious of all his rights and privileges in matters touching his citizen- 
ship, or the boundaries of his real estate, obstinately adhering to 
the ' old farm lines,' however erroneous they may be. And in the 
case of this Boundary, the most elaborate series of provisos for the 
protection of vested i-ights will hardly satisfy the party affected b}'' 
it, for a change, the 'practical object of which is not apparent to his 
mind. 

" Considering the temporary character of the monuments placed 
to mark this Boundary 94 years ago, it is surprising that more of 
them had not disappeared. Had monuments similar to those now 
used by the State Survey, been set originally, there is no doubt that 
99 per cent could now be readily found. 

''The proportionately slight variations in alignment of the greater 
portion of points upon the Parallel Boundary, are not so apparent 
or serious as the dis-alignment of nine-tenths of the rambling fences 
constructed npon surveyed lines throughout the agricultural districts 
of the two States. 

" The only line, other than the original of 1786-7, which should 
be adopted, if a change is to be made, should not be the Astronomi- 
cal parallel, or a mean geodetic parallel located by an independent 
system of triangles dependent upon an Astronomical determina- 
tion of the latitudes of its base line. But it should be a curve inter- 
polated, after extending from the south the system of geodetic 
triangles of the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, and that of the 
State Survey of New York from the north, until they meet, and 
the probable errors in the positions of the joint stations of the two 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 19 



146 [Senate 

i 
systems, along the Boundary, are reduced to tlie minimum, by the' 
most exact appliances of science. This will be a work not of 
months, but of years, and its probable cost will be ditticult to esti- 
mate. The cost of an independent geodetic survey, as estimated by 
Col. Worrall, will be Irom $36,000 to $40,000. While to fix the 
line along tlie Astronomical parallel, (wiiicli would be a practically 
needless change) or to adjust and peraianently mark the original 
Boundary of 1786-T, the cost need be but 20 or 25 per cent of the 
amount. 

"Respectfully submitted, 

" H. W. CLARKE, Civil Engineer, 

" Surveyor on the part of New YorhP 



" Opinion of Counsel. 

"The following opinion of the Hou. Geo. A. Simmons, of Keeseville, was prepared at the request 
of the New York Commissioners on the Connecticut Boundary. As it embodies the legal 
principles on which that question was settled, and which must prevail in every settlement, it 
is herewith reprinted. 

**'The question to be considered arises from conflicting views as to 
the houndary line between the State of New York and Connecticut. 

" In May 1855, the Legislature of Connecticut a])j)ointed commis- 
sioners on the part of that State ' to ascertain the boundai-y line 
between that State and the State of New York,' and authorized 
them, jointly with commissioners to be appointed by the Legislature 
of the State of New York, vested with similar powers on the part 
of the latter State, ' to ascertain the said boundary line and erect 
suitable monuments at such places as they should deem necessary to 
prevent an r further mistakes concerning the same.' 

"In April, 1856, the Legislature of New York appointed similar 
commissioners with the like powers ' to ascertain the boundai-y line 
between this State and the State of Connecticut, and to erect suit- 
able monuments at such places as they should deem necessary to pre- 
vent any further mistakes concerning the same.' 

" From the ^:>/'6a?W(^/^.s of the two legislative resolutions appointing 
the commissioners, stating 'that sundry differences and disputes 
have arisen among the inhabitants resident near the line dividing 
the States of New York and Connecticut concerning said dividing 
line, and that most of the bounds and monuments erected on and 
along said dividing line have been removed or destroyed, rendering 
it uncertain to which of said States sundry citizens, residents as 
aforesaid, belong ; now, therefore,' tfec. It is not to be presuraed^ 
that the commissioners were meant to be empowered to make a new 
line where the old one could not be found, and thus exercise the' 
powers of a court of chancery to settle confused boundaries ; for the, 
operative and directory part of the resolutions is confined in terms 
to the duty of finding or ascertaining the old line — ' to ascertaim 



No. 71.] 147 

the boundary line between this State and the State of Connecticut 
and to erect suitable monuments at such ])]aces as they shall deem 
necessary,' etc. But l)esides these words, thus .excluding the com- 
missioners from makinc; a new line and restricting them to the duty 
of ascertaining or finding and marking the old one, even a Court 
of Equity, never authorizes any other thing if the ancient boundary 
can be ascertained, nor even M-here it cannot be, until acting for 
itself on a report of the facts and evidence made by the commis- 
sioners as to tiiat point ; and then only by a subsequent order of the 
Court adapted to the case. 1 Chitty Gen. Pr. 722 ; 2 Meriv. 507 ; 
1 8 want. 9. 

" If, then, the commissioners are satisfied that the old line can be 
found or ascertained, they have performed their duty, and it is for 
the Legislatures of the two States to say whether they will give them 
authority to alter it or make a new line, not the commissioners. And 
even tlie State Legislatures cannot authorize such alteration without 
the approval of Congress. 10 U. S. Statutes at large, p. 602, and 
Constitution U. S., see art. 4, sec. 3. 

" But more than tin's, the two Legislatures must have assumed the 
existence of an old line once marked on the land and that it is capa- 
ble of being ascertained by careful and pi'oper re-surveys with the 
help of ancient marks and documents, and they have precluded the 
notion of making a new line or altering the old one in any respect. 
We may take for granted, then, that the only question to be decided 
by the comn)issioners is, lohere is the old line? 

" This line was agreed on by the two colonial governments in 1683 
and ratified by the King in council in the year 1700. 

■' It was provided in the agreement, that in case certain lines therein 
mentioned should diminish or take away land within twenty miles 
of Hudson river, that then an equal quantity should be added out 
of the bounds of Connecticut. In 1864 a survey was made by 
joint commissioners and several lines run. It was ascertained that 
these lines <'/i6? diminish the territory of New York to the amount 
of 61,440 acres, and that a tract must be taken fruiu Connecticut 
containing an equal number of acres in an oblong form as an equiva- 
lent for tlie 61,440 acres, and th6 particular location of the ohlong 
was agreed to and the agreement and survey were confii-med by the 
King in council. But the greater part of the bounds remaining un- 
surveyed, and unmarked on the land, and Connecticut retaining 
possession of the equivalent lands, and the old marks becoming con- 
siderably effaced by time, the two colonial Legislatures in 1725 
authorized a resurvey of the old lines as far as run, and a further 
survey to be made of the remaining lines not before run, and the 
erecting of suitable monuments with proper marks on the land, pur- 
suant to the agreement and partial survey of 1683 and 1684. It 
appears from the colonial act of New York in 1725, that the 
boundary line from the mouth of Byram river, including the paral- 
lelogram of 61,440 acres taken from the territory of New York, 



148 [Senate 

was run by the surveyors in 1684, but that the boundary line from 
the northeast corner of tiie parallelogram to the bounds of Massa- 
chusetts colony, and containing the equivalent lands to be added to 
the territory of iSew York, had never been actually run and marked 
on the land, and that the marks and monuments made in 1684 
around the parallelogram conceded to Connecticut had become some- 
what obliterated. 

" The commissioners, appointed in 1Y25 to resurvey the old lines 
and to complete the survey of the remaining lines begun in 16n4, 
did resurvey and ascertain the original bounds as far as the original 
survey had been actually made, and agreed upon a proper mode of 
surveying and marking the remaining lines from the northeast cor- 
ner of the Oblong conceded to Connecticut, to the Massachusetts 
line, and in such way as to concede and add to New York the 61,440 
acres. And again in 1731 the commissioners completed the survey 
of the whole line to Massachusetts bounds and marked them on the 
land in due form according to the original a<rreement and pursuant 
to their instructions from the colonial legislatures, 

" Now it will be observed that the commissioners ran no new lines, 
nor were authorized to run a new line in 1725 and 1731, bnt only 
to ascertain the lines of 1684, and the lines thus run and found in 
1725 and 1731 are the same that are to be found and ascertained 
now in 1856, 

" The line starting from the easterly termination of the thirteen 
miles and sixty-four rods, extending along and beyond the parallelo- 
gram conceded to Connecticut, and running to the cross line, coming 
from Cortlandt's Point and from thence at a distance of twenty 
miles from the Hudson river nearly northerly to Massachusetts 
bounds, loas rxm and marked on the land and is equally traceable 
at this time ; but the other lines parallel to these two on the east of 
them at the distance of about 1 3-4 miles and 20 rods fi-oni 
them, running in the same direction to the Massachusetts bounds, 
were run and marked on the land by set-offs only from the former 
lines. That is to say, after running and marking on the land a con- 
tinuous line between the colony of New York and Connecticut 
from the Oblong on the Sound to Massachusetts bounds, giving to 
Connecticut the Oblong, but giving to the colony of New York no 
equivalent lands, they ran and marked on the land another line 
parallel to this surveyed and marked line, on the easterly side of it, 
at the proper distance from it, through its entire length, comprising 
the 61,440 acres of equivalent lands. But such other east line was 
only run and marked by set-offs and monuments erected at distances 
of about two miles from each other, leaving these monuments as 
guides and directories to locate at any future occasion an exact, con- 
tinuous line through them, 

" The principal governing monuments, viz.: the one at the begin- 
ning towards the south, the intermediate one nearly opposite to the 
end of the line from Cortlandt's Point, and the one at the termi- 
nation in the Massachusetts line are now actually ascertained and 



No. 71.] 149 

identified, and of course indicate the general course of the whole 
east line of the equivalent lands. Through these monuments and 
other intermediate ones wherever they can be found or can be shown 
by proper evidence to have once existed, the line must now he 
located just as if the monuments all remained to this time, without 
regard to the straightness or crookedness of the line indicated by 
them. 

" Plad the line been run within a year or two after the monuments 
were first erected, and before being obliterated, it is plain the line 
must have run straight only from one to another of these monunients, 
however crooked it might happen to be as a whole ; and the oJ/^Vera- 
tion of the monuments can make no change in the rule, if the places 
where they once were can, at this late day, be ascertained by proper 
evidence. 

" This evidence may be not only remnants of decayed monuments 
but possession or occupancy in reference to them or the line running 
through them ; or even traditionary and ancient general reputation. 
Long and ancient reputation^ it' general, is sufficient of itself, es- 
pecially if accompanied by a corresponding possession and claim of 
jurisdiction. 1 Phil. Ev., 248 ; 1 Cowen & Hill's notes, 628 ; 1 
Greenl. Ev., 145 note — 301 note. 

" It cannot be contended that the boundary line between States is 
not to be ascertained by the same rules as the boundary between 
tracts of land owned by individuals. 

" ' No court acts differently in deciding a boundary between States, 
than in lines between separate tracts of land,' say the Supreme 
Court of the United States in the case of the State of Rhode Island 
■y. The State of Massachusetts. 12 Peters, 734. 

" Now, to establish a line between different tracts of land, tnonu- 
ments or marks on the land must govern, and not courses or lines of 
the compass, or quantity of acres; and this rule holds whether the 
line established by such monuments is straight or crooked. 

"Where a line is once found marked on the land, it cannot be 
straightened by an ideal line indicated by the compass. It follows 
that the commissioners must now follow the old marks and monu- 
ments wherever found, and if not found after so long a period, they 
are then to take the best evidence they can get of their former ex- 
istence and locality. 

" Traditional testimony is good if supported by pul)lic acts of re- 
cognition ; such as the acts of town and county officers, and even of 
town meetings and county assemblies, uni7iterrupt.edly continued 
from year to year ^ and mere courses and distances are never re- 
sorted to in order to straighten lines if clearly opposed to other evi- 
dence of ancient marks. This is on the same principle that a deed 
or bond, though lost or destroyed, is still to govern instead of a 
parol contract, when the contents of such lost deed or bond can be 
proved by other evidence. 

" The east line of the equivalent lands was fixed by set-offs, and 



150 [Senate 

the entire series of such set-offs constituted a line of monuments 
marked on the land, about two miles apart, from beginning to end 
of the boundary line. These monuments being ascertained, or the 
places where they once were, the intermediate line between them 
must be run and connected so as to form a continuous bonndary, 
however crooked this boundary line may turn out to be, and without 
regard to whether it contains between the parallels exactly 61,440 
acres or not ; for the commissioners have no authority to make a new 
boundary, or to make a new line, even if the old commissioners in 
1731 committed mistakes in running the cross lines or set-offs. 

" Such crooked lines having been so long recognized and acted on 
as the true division line, can now only be corrected, if at all, by a 
suit in equity by the State of Connecticut against the State of New 
York to correct the mistakes, which would, in all probability, be as 
ineffectual for the purpose as it was in the case of Hhode Island 
against Massachusetts, before cited, the loss of time or limit of pre- 
scription being applicable to States on questions of boundary as well 
as to individual land-owners. See Vattel, p. 190, § 147, and the 
opinion of the Supreme Court in the case of Rhode Island v. 
Massachusetts, before cited. * 

" In short, the old line of 1731, as indicated by the monuments 
then erected, and not a new line, must govern, because such new 
line in point of fact and of law does not coincide with the bonndary 
established in 1731, this having been so long recognized, and now 
being easily ascertained and identified. If the true old line shall be 
ascertained by the present survey to be a crooked one, too near its 
western parallel on the north end, or too remote at the intermediate 
points, or devious and irregular in many places, it can only be 
straightened by the consent of the Legislatures of the two States, 
with that of Congress hereafter to be given, and not otherwise ; for 
the resolutions of those Legislatures, already adopted, and under 
which the present commissioners are acting, arc not sufKcient for 
the purpose ; nor could the Supreme Court of the United States 
order the lines to be straightened after so long an acquiescence of 
the States. 

'' But again ; no other mode of ascertaining the division lines is 
consistent with the agreement made by the joint commissioners the 
29th April, 1725, and their survey under it. The lines were to be 
run by marks and monuments on the land ; for it was agreed that 
'where the breadth of the said lands to be added out of Connecticut 
shall be established as above directed, we shall affix and ascertain 

* Capt. Boutelle of the United States Coast Survey, who made the surveys in 
this celebrated case, which is referred to more in detail iu Chancellor Pierson's 
letter, relates that Daniel Webster.who was counsel for Massachusetts, made the 
point in his argument that Massachusetts and Rhode Island having entered the 
Union and ratified the Constitution without protest from the latter as to the t-r- 
roneous location of the boundary between them, although it was known to be so 
at the time, were forever estopped from any right or claim for a correction of the 
error. And this point had great weight in the decision of the case. 



No. 71.] 151 

the bounds of the same,' and ' erect monuments in the said lines at 
all places which may he thought necessary.'' 

" The same commissioners, immediately thereafter, on the J 2th day 
of May, 1725, commenced their survey on the land, and actually ran 
and marked by monuments so much of the boundary line agreed on 
as designated the Oblong on the land conceded to Coiuiecticut ' in 
pursuance ' of the said agreement ; and they say that they ' have 
erected several monuments in the said line^ mentioning a large 
number of them. After marking trees and raising heaps of stones 
at the end of every mile on the line along the northerly side of the 
Connecticut Oblong from the white oak trees north northeast thirteen 
miles and sixty-four rods, they marked and distinguished., and 
thereby established and fixed it by monuments as the line of par- 
tition so far between the province of New York and colony of Con- 
necticut. 

"Afterwards, on the 14tli of May, 1731, the joint commissioners 
finished their work by running and marking the residue of the 
boundary lines extending from the northeast corner of the Oblong 
assigned to Connecticut, to the Massachusetts line, including the 
equivalent lauds of 61,440 acres, '■ in pursuance of the agreement 
made in the year 1725,' adopting their former monument at the 
northeast corner of the Connecticut Oblong as their starting point; 
and then finding and fixing the northeast corner of the equivalent 
lands by a monument^ they established the remaining boundary lines 
to Massachusetts, so as to include the ecpiivalent lands, by erecting 
heaps of stones ' as monuments of the east hounds of the said addi- 
tional lands.^ 

" These monuments were located by set-offs, or perpendiculars, 
from a parallel line previously survej'ed and marked bv them on the 
land ' and then the commissioners surrendered up to New York the 
possession oi the equivalent lands as divided from Connecticut by 
the said ' lines ' run through the said several m,onuments erected as 
before mentioned. 

"These expressions in the agreement and in the report of the 
survey, made pursuant to it, clearly show that these commissioners 
were too wise to leave boundary lines to be ascertained by mere 
courses and distances, to be ascertained from books ; they located 
them on the land., as the controlling marks and monuments^ to be 
there read and known by all men ; they were too sensible not to 
appreciate the ditticulty in after times of ascertaining and fixing 
mere straight lines, indicated by the compass and measuring chain 
only, and they determined not to leave the boundaries thus uncertain 
and swimming in the air, but to have them attached and fastened 
to the land by actual marks and monuments. It was the great end 
and purpose which they had been appointed and empowered to ac- 
complish — not to run 'new lines, hut to ascertain and rnarh old ones y 
and they do not pretend to have run straight lines with any greater 
exactness or certainty than is marked by monuments on the land. 



152 [Senate 

" The lines thus actually run and marked on the land must now 
govern, unless we are to reject all the former agreements and sur- 
veys, and launch ourselves into an ocean of uncertainty. 

" GEORGE A. SIMMONS. 

'' January 1, 1857." 

4 

Copies of the correspondence and Documents were transmitted 
by Governor Cornell of New York to Governor Hoyt of Penn- 
sylvania, with the following letter under date of 2 March, 1881 : 

" Sir : The accompanying documents relating to the Boundary 
line between the States of New York and Pennsylvania are respect- 
fully presented to your attention. This line has been examined by a 
Joint Conmiission acting nnder the authority of the two States re- 
spectively. The result of this examination discovers the fact : 

" 1. That the monuments erected by the original Commission in 
1786 and 1787 to iwark the line, have become so far decayed or ob- 
literated as to require immediate steps for their restoration ; 

" 2. That the line originally run and marked by the Commission- 
ers and ratified by the two State.-, although fixed with all the precis- 
ion possible at that day, varies very "considerably from the verbal 
description, sometimes on one side and sometimes on flie other ; 

" 3. But that this line so marked has, since the settlement of the 
country, been the practical boundary between the lands belonging in, 
and the limits of jurisdiction of the two States. It is proper to say 
that the honorable Commissioners appointed on the part of Pennsyl- 
vania, through their chairman. Col. Worrall have advocated a re- 
survey of the entire line, and the establishment of a boundary which 
should rigidly conform to the verbal description. But the Commis- 
sioners of New York have held that no practical advantage, but great 
inconvenience, would arise from any attempt to change the line from 
the original and accepted location. 

" Taking this view of the subject and following the well-settled 
principles laid down by the Supreme Court of the United States, 
(4 Howard,) the Legislature of tliis State passed an act May 20, 1880, 
declaring the lines originally laid down as the boundary lines, irre- 
spective of their conformit}^ to the verbal descriptions thereof, and 
authorized the Board of Regents of the University to appoint Com- 
missioners to meet commissioners of the State of Pennsylvania vested 
with similar powers, and restore the monuments on the line origi- 
nally surveyed and marked. The attention of your Excellency is 
respectfully called to this action, with the request that you will take 
whatever steps may be necessary to bring about an early and satis- 
factory settlement of the line and the much needed restoration of the 
monuments. Very respectfully Your Obedient Servant. 

" ALONZO B. CORNELL." 

And in March, 1881, Gov. Hoyt sent to the Legislature the com- 
munication of Gov. Cornell, and the documents which accompanied 
the same, witli the following message : — 



No. 71.] 153 

" To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania : 

" Gentlemen : I have the honor to transmit a commuiiicarion of 
his Exceilency the Governor of New York, and accompanying leport 
of the Commissioners and act of tlie Legislature of that iState relat- 
ing to the Boundary line between the States of New Yurie and Penn- 
sylvania. Believing that no advantage to any individual or to the 
public can be gained by running a new line to conform to the verbal 
description, but that, on the contrary, it would cause great injury, or 
at least inconvenience to vested rights to adopt such a course, 1 un- 
hesitatingly indorse the New Y^ork view, and respectfully recommend 
that the commissioners appointed under the act of May 8, 1&7G, 
entitled ' An act in regard to tlie boundary monuments between the 
States of Pennsylvania and New York,' be authorized to meet the 
Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York to 
ascertain and re-establish the monuments on the original line, and 
erect such additional monuments at such places on said line as they 
may deem necessary, and that you further provide for the moiety of 
the cost which will properly be borne by the Commonwealth of Penn- 
sylvania. 

"HENRY M. HO YT." 

The position assumed by the New York Commission was accepted 
by the Joint Commission, and it was decided that the only course to 
be pursued was to I'estore the original line of 1786-7 as nearly as 
practicable, and mark it permanently. 

For some reason the Legislature of Pennsylvania failed to respond 
to the suggestion of the Governor, and no appropriation was made 
that season. In this state of the case, and in view of the importance 
of having some of the monuments renewed without delay, and thus 
secure part of the more important work already done, from being- 
lost, the New York Commissioners proposed to the Pemisylvania 
Board that they would furnish the funds forgoing on with the work, 
so far as the unexpended funds would warrant, with the understand- 
ing that one-half the amount so expended should be refunded by the 
Pennsylvania Commissioners, when an appropriation should be made. 
The proposition was accepted and the New York Commissioners 
immediately undertook the work of re-monumenting the Boundary. 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 20 



154 [Senatk 



THE NEW MONUMENTS, AND FINAL AD- 
JUSTMENT- OPERATIONS OF 1881-4. 



The Joint Boundary Commission having concluded upon the 
course to be taken in adjusting the Boundary and replacing the 
monuments, the work of permanently marking the line was com- 
menced in the fall of 1881. 

The new monuments adopted for the purpose w^ere of granite of 
a pattern similar to those adopted and placed upon the Boundary- 
line between New Jersey and New York. This granite is of a coarse, 
reddish-gray texture, quite hard and durable. Descriptions of the 
monuments in the various classes will be found in Appendix B. A 
contract was made in the summer of 1881 with Mr. John Beattic 
of Leete's Island, Connecticut, to furnish all the highway monu- 
ments, railroad monuments, and Milestones (first, second, third, and 
fourth class monuments) required, at the price of three jW dollars 
each for the highway monuments, and two j"/^ dollars each for the 
smaller size, delivered on the cars at his quarry. Mr. Beattie 
had previously furnished a large number of monuments for the use 
of the New York State Survey ; and he also furnished the monu- 
ments used upon the New Jersey and New York Boundary. Thir- 
teen blocks of granite (fifth class monuments) for marking the 
Astronomical Stations adjacent to the Boundary occupied by the 
party from the Coast Survey Office in 1877 and 1879, were after- 
wards furnished by Mr. Beattie for five dollars each, delivered at 
Jersey City. 

Two Lirge monuments of Rhode Island granite were also pur- 
chased in the fall of 1883 at a cost of one hundred and seventy-five 
dollars each, to be delivered at Jersey City. One of these was set 
in the Parallel Boundary near the right bank of the Delaware River, 
and the other in the Meridian Boundary, 100 feet North of its inter- 
section with the Parallel Boundary at the south-west corner of the 
State of New York. Each was composed of a single block of 
granite about 10^ feet long, the upper six feet being dressed in the 
form of a flat obelisk, 2 J by 1-^ feet at the base, with appropriate 
inscriptions on each broad face. Sketch No. 9 is a view of the 
monument near the Initial Point. 

The first car-load of monuments was delivered at Waverly on the 
New York, Lake Erie and Western Railway, 25 October, 1881. 
* The Boundary across the Chemung and Susquehanna Fiats had pre- 
viously been adjusted, most of it having been entirely re-run, and 
the monument points fixed. The first new monument set upon the 
Boundary was a milestone marked "^!^i" to replace the remains of the 
Third Latitude Stone on the left bank of the Chemung River. The 



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No. 71.] 155 

work was undertaken so late in the season that comparatively little 
progress was made. Operations in 18S1 were contined to the por- 
tion of the Boundary between Milestones 4(5 and 6Q. Forty-three 
monuments were set before operations were suspended. 

The -work was not resumed in 1S82 until 5 July, as the party was 
occupied upon the New Jersey and New York Boundary in Api-il, 
May, and June. One hundred and eighty-one monuments were set 
in that j-ear. These were upon the eastern portion of the Boundary 
from the Initial Point to Milestone 120, with the exception of the 
section between the Susquehanna liiver near Milestone 12 and Mile- 
stone 38, most of which was left vacant. 

In 1883, owing to the late date at which Legislative appropriations 
were available, the resumption of operations was delayed until 30 
July. In that year 97 monuments were set. The vacant poi-tions 
between Milestones 12 and 38 were filled, and the work of adjusting 
the Boundary and setting monuments was carried on westward from 
Milestone 120 to Milestone 139. 

April 9, 1884, found the party in the field, and by 18 September 
all the monuments upon the Parallel Boundary had been set ; these 
included monuments at each of the Astronomical Stations, the large 
monument at the Initial Point, and a few in scattered vacancies east 
of Milestone 139. The work included a very careful re-survey of 
the apparently unmarked portion between Milestones 139 and 155, 
during the progress of which, 4 of the original monuments not dis- 
covered upon the reconnaissance, were found. These wei'e 145, 
152, and 154, in place; and 143 lying upon the surface of the 
ground, within two feet of the point fixed for the new monument 
before the old one was found. This is the most ii-iegular portion of 
the Boundary, and the discovery of these Milestones simpHtied the 
problem of adjustment very materially. The unmarked section of 
seventeen miles, west of Milestone 208, was also veiy carefully re- 
surveyed before any monuments were set. Although none of the 
original monuments were found, the re-survey by connecting a few 
points fixed by the Holland L;md Company in its Surveys, which 
could be identified, afforded a very convenient basis for a satisfactory 
adjustment of the Section. 

Upon the completion of the Parallel Boundary, 14 monuments 
were set upon the Meridian Boundary, including the large terminal 
monument near the " Corner," before operations were suspended, 
near the end of September, This suspension with but 15 miles of 
Boundary , unfinished, was unfortunately rendered necessary by the 
exhaustion, July 1, of the funds appropriated by the Pennsylvania 
Legislature. The New York appropriation alone was only sufficient 
to complete the Parallel Boundarj^ 

The method of setting the various monujnents is given in 
Appendix B. The Instructions to the Surveyors are contained in 
Appendix AA. 



156 [Senate 

Adjustment. 

In general, the original Milestones which were known or consid- 
ered to be in place were replaced with new monuments, and the 
places for monuments at mile points where the original monuments 
were missing or had been moved, were fixed by alignment between 
adjacent Milestones in either direction. This rule was varied occa- 
sionally however, where a different method of adjustment should 
prove more satisfactory in its results, or where authentic points 
other than the old milestones were identified. In several instances, 
before the places for the new monuments were fixed, at points 
where angles in the Boundary were quite appai'ent, the original 
milestones which marked them being lost, renewed and extended 
searches for the old monuments were made, which were successful 
but in one case, Milestone 145. The other missing milestones found 
in 1884 were discovered accidentally. 

In the use of other authentic points in the adjustment of the 
Boundary, the theory was adopted that these points were originally 
placed m line between adjacent milestones, and to replace a missing 
milestone the converse of the proposition was resorted to, by placing 
it in a prolongation of a line drawn over the point from a milestone 
in the opposite direction. The entire section west of Milestone 208 
was adjusted upon this basis. (Sketch JSTo. 14.) Many of the points 
thus used, were also, as a precautionary measure, marked with 
granite monuments. Intermediate monuments, with few exceptions, 
were placed in line between milestones. 

Whenever any doubtful circumstances were found connected with 
the traditions of any of the old monuments which seemed to stand 
in place, every thing bearing upon the case was carefully considered 
before the position was finally settled. In two or three cases the 
evidence was such that the positions of the old monuments were not 
recognized, and the places for the new monuments were fixed by 
alignment with others. 

It is possible also that a very few of the old monuments, which from 
their surroundings appeared to have been undisturbed, and about 
which no question had ever been raised, or if raised appeared to be 
based upon no sound evidence, may, at some time, long since past, 
have been moved from their original locations. Their anomalous 
positions are the only indication. Milestones 89 and 92 are examples. 
(SeeSketchNo.il.) 

The total lack of any notes of the original survey, which would 
have been of great value in the settlement of doubtful points, 
rendered our duty quite embarrassing upon some portions of the 
Boundary, more especially along the fine between Broome and Sus- 
quehanna Counties, where so many milestones were missing, and 
where the later land surveys were so vague and unreliable. The 
original notes would also have enabled us to verify the positions of 
all the old monuments found. The map of the original survey, be- 
ing upon so small a scale, was of but little value for such purposes. 



Ko. 71.] 157 

Recurring again to the division of the Boundary into Sections by 
the Astronomical Stations of the Coast Survey party, a detailed 
statement of tlie points at which the various milestones were placed, 
and the manner in which the unmarked or doubtful intervals were 
treated, is here given. 

First Section". 
Initial Point to Station Finn. 

Milestones 1, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 15, 16 and 19 being in place and un- 
disputed, were replaced with new monuments. 

Milestones 2, 3 and 4 having no fixed status — two of them 
having entirely disappeared — and all the intermediate monuments 
east of 5, were placed in a curved line having the normal curvature 
of the parallel, extending from Milestone 5 over Milestone 1 east to 
the meridian of Station Travis. ' 

Milestone 2 was placed in a bed of deposited gravel, a few feet 
west of Sand Pond Brook and directly opposite the yellow birch 
stump which is supposed to be the remains of the 2 mile tree of 
George Palmer's survey in 1784. 

Original milestone 3 was found where temporarily set up in 1877. 
It had been broken about six inches below the top. As the point 
is almost inaccessible, and the site for the monument being near the 
face of a ragged ledge, it was deemed unadvisable to set the new 
monument at this point. The upper portion of the old milestone 
was carefully placed in line on the surface of the rock and a pile of 
stones was built around it. The new monument was sefr 21 chains 
further west near an old road. 

The 4 mile point was in or near the bed of Sand Pond Brook ; a 
highway having been worked close along the edge of the bluff on 
the east side of the brook, the monument was set upon the east side 
of the road. 

Milestones 8 and 9 not being in existence, the new milestones 
were placed in line between 7 and 10. 

Original milestone 12 having entirely disappeared and its place 
being unknown, the new monument was placed upon the summit of 
the high, narrow ridge between Cascade Valley and the Susque- 
hanna River, in line between milestone 11 and the East River 
Monument, 338 feet east of a point one-fourth the distance from 
Milestone 11 to 15. 

The monuments upon each bank of the Susquehanna River, be- 
tween the 12 and 13 mile points, marking a break in the Boundary, 
being so near the River banks that it was deemed unadvisable to 
replace them ; they were left in place and the new monuments were 
set, one 50 feet east of the east River Monument in lino toward 
Milestone 11, and the other 20 feet west of the west River Monument 
in line toward Milestone 15. 

Milestones 13 and 14 were set at one-half and three-fourths the 



158 [Senate 

distance from 11 to 15, in lino between the latter milestone and the 
moiinment on the west bank of the River, the originals having been 
displaced and the line at these points being in doubt. 

Original Milestones 17 and 18 had long tince disappeared, but the 
positions of the new monuments were very satisfactorily fixed by 
placing them in an eastward prolongation of the line from mile- 
stone 19 to the First Latitude Stone at 2<'f miles. 

Milestone 2() was placed in line between the last two monuments. 
The First Latitude Monument having been inscribed 20 M 29 ch., 
the point for Milestone 20 was fixed Longitudinally j-^-j of the dis- 
tance from Milestone 19 toward the Latitude Stone, the surplus 
distance being divided proportionately. 

The Pier at Station Travis was replaced by a Station monument 
and a small monument was set by the roadside 81.6 feet south, at the 
intersection of an eastward prolongation of the Boundary with the 
meridian of the Station. 

An old stone monument 165 feet west of Milestone 19, known ns 
the " Fan-tail Corner '' was reset in line opposite its old position. 

The number of monuments set upon this Section is as follows : — 

Milestones 20 

Highway monuments 25 

Railroad do 2 

Large Initial do ] 

Station do (Travis) 1 

Kiver and other intermediate monuments 6 

New monuments on First Section 55 



Of these, 34 were set in 1882, 17 in 1883, and 4 in 1881. 

One of the highway monuments marks the corner of Wayne and 
Susquehanna Counties in Pennsylvania. 

Milestone 15 marks the corner of the Towns of Oakland and Great 
Bend in Susquehanna County. 

Milestones 1 and 4 are also highway monuments. 

Second Section.* - 

Station Finn to Station Little Meadows. 

Most of the original monuments upon this Section had been dis- 
placed or had entirely disappeared. The position of a few could be 
satisfactorily fixed by authentic marks and the line was adjusted to 
correspond with these. 

Milestones 26, 33, 36, and 39, the only original milestones in 
place upon this Section, were replaced with new monuments. 

Milestone 2ilf was set at the east side of the base of the original 
First Latitude Stone on the right bank of the Susquehanna River. 

* Sketch No. 10 exhibits the irregularities on this Section upon an exaggerated 
scale. 



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^'o. 71.] 159 

Milestone 21 was placed ■npon the site of the Town Corner stone- 
pile fixed by Col. Gere and the County Commissioners in 1870. 
The site of the milestone, which had been broken np. was shown 
Col. Gere by an old hunter. This milestone niarks the corner of the 
Towns of Great Bend and Liberty in Susquehanna County, Pa. 

Milestone 22 was set in line between 21 and 23 upon the west 
side of the Snake Creek Road, in the center of which the original 
is said to have stood at the time the road was laid out. 

Milestone 23 was set at the point at which the original was found 
in 1877 by Col. Gere, and which has since been marked by a sub- 
stantial stake. 

Milestones 24 and 25 were placed in line between 23 and 26. 

Original milestone 27 had been moved south to make room for a 
road. The road was legally laid out in New York only, but had 
been opened and worked with the Boundary as its center line, and 
since the reconnaissance had been changed entirely to the north side 
of the line. The new monument M'as placed in line between 26 and 
28 opposite the point at which it was found in 1877. It marks the 
corner of the Towns of Liberty and Silver Lake in Susquehanna 
County. 

Milestone 28 was set in place of an old Pennsylvania corner stone 
which stood at or near the site of the original. 

Milestones 29 and 30 were set in line between Milestones 28 
and 31. 

Milestone 31 was placed in an eastward prolongation of a line 
from Milestone 33 to an authentic "State Line Stone," * which 
stands about 76 feet west of 31. 

Milestone 32 was placed in line between 31 and 33. It marks the 
corner of the Towns of Silver Lake and Choconut in Susquehanna 
County, Penn. 

Milestone 34 was placed in line between 33 and the new site of 
35, 10 feet east of a point midway. 

The position of Milestone 35 was very satisfactorily fixed by plac- 
ing it in an eastern prolongation of the line from Milestone 36 to 39. 

Milestones 37 and 38 were set in line between 36 and 39 at one- 
thii'd and two-thirds of the distance. 

Milestone 39|- was placed in line between Milestone 39 and 40 in. 
the meridian of Station Little Meadows and 2.4 feet South of it. It 
is near the probable position of the original Second Latitude Stone. 

The Pier at Station Finn was replaced by a station monument, 

* Tliis stone, which has the jjeneral appearance of the milestones found upon 
this section, but is unmarked, stands near where original milestone 31 was found 
lying upon the surface of the ground. It has at sometime been carefully set 
and stands firmly in the ground in the south road fence, surrounded l)y a small 
pile of field stone. Of this monument, the late A. R. Ellis, an old Surveyor and 
Justice of the Peace of Vestal, N. Y., said in 1878: " It was shown me more than 
twenty-five years ago by an old man, as the ' State line. ' " The highway west 
of this stoue bears to the north of the line. At the point where it bends toward 
the north- west it is about 55 feet north of the Boundary. 



160 [Senate 

and a small monument was placed in the meridian of the Station 
several hundred feet north. 

The number of monuments set upon this Section is : 

Milestonea 19 

20| and 39| mile monuments 2 

Highway monumenta 15 

Railroad do 2 

Station do (Finn) 1 

Other intermediate monuments 2 

New monumenta on Second Section 41 

Of these 9 were set in 1882, 30 in 1883 and 2 in 1884. 
Milestones 22, 28, 31, and 39 are also highway monuments. 

Thikd Section. 
Station Little Meadows to Station Waverly. 

Milestones 40, 41, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57 
and 59, being undisputed, were replaced by new monuments. 

Milestone 42 having been plowed up, the new monument was 
placed in line between Milestones 41 and 43. 

Milestone 43 had at some early date been moved directly west a 
few feet to accommodate the Milford and Owego Turnpike, but as 
its alignment was traditionally correct it was replaced by a new 
monument. 

The site of Milestone 45 was identified in 1877, but as it is in the 
center of a highway, the new monument was set in line upon the 
west side of the road, 13^ feet from the original site. 

Milestone 54 was set in the place of a stone set many years ago 
to replace the original which had been broken in pieces. 

Milestone 56 had been removed 40 or 50 years ago, in working 
the road which follows the Boundary at that point. The ncM^ mon- 
ument was therefore placed in line between 55 and 57. Being in 
the center of the highway, it was buried with its top flush with the 
surface, and the hole was filled around it with cement-mortar and 
broken stone. 

Original milestone 58 disappeared years ago. From some old 
Field Notes of the original subdivision of Wheeler Douglass' Mili- 
tary Location in Tioga County, New York, made by Major Zephon 
Flower, in possession of Z. F. Walker, Esq., of Athens, Penn., this 
milestone was shown to be 2.50 chains east of a corner of a division 
of that Tract. This corner has been marked for years with a sub- 
stantial stone monument, with a cross cut upon its top. The new 
milestone was therefore set 2.50 chains east of this monument, and 
in line with it and milestone 59. It corresponds closely with the 
old fences. The point is upon a steep side-hill. 

The pier at Little Meadows was removed in 1884, and a Station 
monument buried in its place. A small monument had been set the 
year before in the meridian of the Station about 1,760 feet north. 



^o. 71.] 161 

The number of monuments set upon this Section is : 

Milestones 20 

ligli way monuments 23 

lailroad do 4 

"itation do (Little Meadows) 1 

^Meridian do ( do ) 1 

)ther intermediate monuments 3 

New monuments on Th.ird Section 52 

Of these 26 were set in 1881, 23 in 1882, 2 in 1883, and 1 in 1884. 

Of the milestones, 43, 44, 45, 46, 50 and 54 are highway monii- 
aents. 

Milestone 40 marks the corner of Susquehanna and Bradford 
bounties in Pennsylvania. 

Milestone 46 marks the corner of the Towns of "Warren and Wind- 
'lam, and Milestone 52 marks the corner of the Towns of Windham 
nd Litchfield, in the County of Bradford. 

Fourth Section. 
Station Waverly to Station Burt. 

Milestones 62, 65, 66, 67, 68 and 69 were replaced with new monu- 
aents. 

Milestone 60 was placed one mile west of 59, and in the curved 
ine established through the village in 1877. 

Tlie site of Astronomical Station Waverly was marked by bury- 
ag a Station monument. 

j The Spanish Hills monument at 60|- miles was left undisturbed 
iind a highway monument was placed upon the summit of the ridge 
15 feet east of it. 

The remains of the Third Latitude Stone on the left bank of the 
Ohemuiig River were replaced with a new monument, marked ^S 
i^hicli is about 50 feet south of a high railway embankment. 

Milestone 61 being buried beneath a high raikoad embankment, 
the new milestone was placed 132 feet further east, and in a line be- 
tween the old milestone and the Spanish Hills monument. 

Milestones 63 and 64 having been removed, the new monuments 
V7ere placed in line between Milestones 62 and 65. Original Mile- 
tone 63 had been moved about upon the surface of the ground so 
liat its original position was quite indefinite. There is no fence 
long the line at this point. 

The number of monuments set upon this Section is : 

[ilestones. . , 10 

ighway monuments 13 

ailroad do 4 

pauish Hills monument 1 

tation monument (Waverly) 1 

ther intermediate monuments 2 

New monuments on Fourth Section 31 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 21 



162 [Senate 

Of these 17 were set in 1881, 10 in 1882, 3 in 1883, and 1 in 
1884. 

Milestone 63 is also a highway monument. 

Milestone 65 marks the corner of the Towns of Athens and 
Ridgebnry, Bradford Co., Penn. 

Fifth Section. 
Station Burt to Station. Lawrenceville. 

Milestones 71, 72, 73, 74, 78, 79,* 80, 81, 82, 86, 88 and 89t were 
replaced with new monuments. 

Milestone 70 having entirely disappeared, the new monument was 
placed in line between Milestones 69 and 71. 

Original milestone 75 stands in the bottom of a ravine close be- 
side a high road embankment, and liable to be buried. It was, 
therefore, thought advisable to place the new monument in line 
33 feet farther west, upon the bank of the ravine. 

Milestones 76 and 77 having disappeared, and- their traditional posi- 
tions being uncertain, the new monuments were placed in line be- 
tween milestones 75 and 78. 

Milestones 83 and 85 having entirelj' disappeared, and milestone 
84 having been moved from its original position, and the Boundary 
at these points being in an unsettled condition, the new monuments 
were set in line between Milestones 82 and 86. 

New milestone 87 was placed in line between milestones 86 ai]d 
88, one mile west of the former. 

Milestone 90 was left undisturbed and the new milestone was set 
in line against its east edge. 

The Fourth Latitude Stone at 89 M 53 Ch.,:{: which stood upon 
the left bank of the Tioga River, was washed away by a freshet j 
great many j^ears ago. There was evidently an angle in the line a'; 

* Milestones 79 and 80 are iu the irregular curve in the Boundary, south o 
Elmira, west of where it reaches its extreme northerly limit. At the time of the 
reconnaissance, the question was raised as to their integrity, with good reason it 
seemed, until the entire Boundary between tlie Tliird and Fourth Latitude Stones 
was carefully studied. Then it appeared evident that these milestones were dis- 
credited more from their apparent disalignment than from any actual knowledge 
of a removal, although they were both found standing crosswise of the line 
which indicated a disturbance of their original position. 79 had recently been 
taken up and set up beside a fence, but had been replaced soon after. 

f Supervisor More, of Lindley, Steuben County, N.Y., in a letter to Secretary 
Woolvvonh in 1870, quoted in Regents' Boundary Report, i, 345, made the rather 
surprising statement that Milestone 89 " has been moved north about three rods, 
as ascertained by surveyors adjusting their Compasses." In a letter to me since 
the preliminary survey of that section, he says he must have written '* South.' 
Although it is considerably south of a line between Milestones 88 and 90, it is 
very nearly in line with the milestones for six miles east of the former, and is 
almost due east from the original position of the Fourth Latitude Stone. And 
while at this milestone there is an abrupt deflection' to the north in the line, 
there seemed to be no other evidence that it was not in place. (See Sketch No. 11.) 

X Sketch No. 11 exhibits in an exaggerated way the inequalities iu the Bound- 
ary la the vicinity of this " termiaal Station " of 1786. 



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No. 71.] 163 

this point. The angular point was assumed to be in line with Mile- 
stones 90 and 91, and ||. of the distance from 89 to 90, and a monu- 
ment was set upon the left bank of the River 75 feet west 
of the angular point. Two monuments east of the River were set 
in line between the angular point and Milestone 89. 

The Pier at Astronomical Station Burt was replaced with a Sta- 
tion monument. A small monument was placed in the meridian of 
the Station 1,779 feet South. 

The number of monuments set upon this Section is: 

Milestones 21 

Highway Monuments 2'S 

Ruiiroad do 2 

Station do (Burt) 1 

Meridian do 1 

River (Tioga) Monument 1 

New Monuments in Fifth Section. . . 49 



Of these, 46 were set in 1882, 1 in 1883, and 2 in 1884. 

Milestones 75, 79, 80, 82 and 85 are also highwaj' monuments. 

Original milestone 75 is at the corner of the Towns of South 
Creek and Wells in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, and is the 
farthest north of any monument upon the Parallel Boundary. 

Milestone 80 marks the corner of the Counties of Bradford and 
Tioga, in Pennsylvania. 

Milestone 82, the only historical milestone upon the Boundar}', at 
the south end of the Pre-emption line, marks the Corner of Che- 
i.^ung and Steuben Counties in New York. 

' Milestone 88 marks the corner of the Towns of Caton- and Lind- 
le^ m Steuben County. 

SjXTH Section". 

Station Lawrenceville to Station A ustinhurg. 

3[ilestones 91, 92, 93, 94, 96, 97, 99, 101, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108 
and 109 being in place w^ere replaced with new monuments. 

Original milestone 95 having disappeared, the j^lace for the new 
monument was fixed in a westward prolongation of the line between 
milestones 93 and 94, which approached more nearly the traditional 
alignment of the original monument than a line between milestones 
94 and 96. It marks the corner of the Towns of Lawrence and 
Nelson, in Tioga County, Penn. 

Milestone 98 was placed in line between Milestones 97 and 99. 

Milestone 100 had, many years ago, been waslied out l)y a brook, 
beside which it stood. The monument was placed in line between 
Milestones 99 and 101 in the bottom of the ravine close by the 
north side of the brook. A breakwater of logs and boulders was 
built vp to protect it from the effect of freshets. Its place can 



164 [Senate 

hardly be considered a safe one, however. Milestone 100 is at the 
corner of the Towns of Woodhuil and Tiiscarora, Steuben County, 
New York. 

Milestone 102 was placed midway in line between Milestones 101 
and 103, all trace of the original and its place having been lost. 
Milestone 102 marks the corner of the towns of Osceola and Deer- 
tield, Tioga County, Penn. 

New Milestone 107 was placed in line between Milestones 106 and 
108, opposite the point at which the fragment of the original mile- 
stone was found in 1877. 

The Fifth Latitude Stone, which originally stood upon the bank 
of Troup's Creek, at 109 miles and 36 chains, was washed away by ;i 
freshet many years since. It is quite evident that an angle existed 
in the line at this point. The angular point was fixed by the west- 
ward prolongation of the line between Milestones 108 and 109, at 
||- of the distance between 109 and 110. No monument was placed 
to mark this point, but the highway monument near Station Aus- 
tinburg was placed in line between the angular point thus fixed 
and Milestone 110. 

A small intermediate monument was set upon the summit of the 
high, sharp ridge 1,100 feet west of Milestone 106. From this point 
nearly the entire distant horizon north of the Boundary can be seen, 
as well as Station Bly of the New York State Survey, which is South 
of the Boundary. The view to the eastward, along the Boundary, 
reaches over 20 miles. 

Astronomical Station Lawrenceville was marked by burying a 
Station Monument at the site of the Pier. 

The number of monuments set upon this Section is : 

Milestones 

Highway monuments 

Railroad do 

Station do (Lawrenceville) 

Summit do ' 

River do (Cowanesqua) 



New monuments on Sixth Section 4 

Of these, 11 were set in 1882, 2 in 1883, and 1 in 1884. 
Milestones 93, 91 and 95 are also highway monuments. 
Milestone 91 marks the corner of the Towns of Lindley and Tns- 
carora, in Steuben County, N. Y. 

Seventh Section.* ( 

Station Austinhury to Station Genesee Yalley. 
Milestones 110, 112, 113,t HI, 115, 117, 119, 120, 121, 122, 124, 

* Sketch No. 12 exhibits the crooked portion of this Section between Milestones 
114 and 120. . . ■ 

f At the time the new milestone was set to replace 113, a farmer in the vicinity 
insisted that the old milestone had been moved from its original position. The 
only apparently suspicious circumstance in the case was the fact that it was almost 
exactly in line between 112 and 114. And the new monument stands very nearly 
where it would have been ])laced had there been a reasonable doubt as to the 
integrity of the original. 






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exactly in line between 11^ and 114. 
where it would have been phxced ha 
integrity of the original. 



ry nearly 
da to the 



No. 71.] 165 

125, 127 and 128, being known to be, or accepted as, in place, were 
replaced by new monuments. 

Milestone 111 had been lost and the new monument was placed 
in line between 110 and 112. 

Milestone 116 having been tampered with and its place being 
quite uncertain, the point for the new monument was fixed in the 
eastward prolono;ation of a line from Milestone 117 over an old 
stake which marks the corner between Ranges V and VI of Phelps 
and Gorham's Purchase, and at the distance of 28 chains, 60 links, 
from the corner stake. This is the distance between the range cor- 
ner and Milestone 116, given in the original Field Notes of Town- 
ship 1, Range V. 

The Range corner stake was replaced with a small plain monu- 
ment. 

New Milestone 118 was fixed in line between Milestones 117 
and 119. 

Milestone 123 was placed midway in line between 122 and 124. 

Original milestone 126 had many years ago been ]-emoved in 
working a road laid out in N. Y., along the line, for about half a 
mile. There is an apparent deflection to the north in the line at this 
point, and to set the new monument in line between Milestones 125 
and 127 would have placed it upon the north side of the road. It 
was therefore set in a westward prolongation of the line from 124 to 
125. Milestone 126 is also a highway monument. 

The Pier at Station Austinburg was removed and the point 
marked with a Station monument. 

The whole number of monuments set upon this Section is : 

Milestones 19 

Highway Monuments 15 

Town Corner VV. of 116 1 

Station Monument (Austinburg) 1 

Intermediate monuments 2 

New monuments upon Seventh Section 38 

Of these 17 were set in 1882, 20 in 1883 and 1 in 1884. 

Milestone 115 marks the corner of the Counties of Potter and 
Tioga in Pennsylvania. 

Milestone 121 marks the corner of the Towns of Harrison and 
Bingham, and Milestone 127 marks the corner of the Towns of 
Bingham and Genesee, in Potter County, Penn. 

Eighth Section. 

Station Genesee Valley to Station Ceres* 
Milestones 129, 130, 132, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 144, and 145 

* See Sketch No. 8. 



166 [Senate 

being in place and undisputed, they were replaced with new monu- 
ments. 

Milestone 131 was placed in an eastward prolongation of a line 
from Milestone 132 through the stump of an old line tree standing 
at the roadside about one-fourth mile west of 131. 

Milestone 133 was placed in line between 132 and 134. It marks 
the Corner of the Towns of Genesee and Oswayo in Potter County, 
Penn. 

Milestone 136|- was set against the west edge of the Sixth Lati- 
tude Stone which was left standing in place. 

An intermediate monument was set against the south edge of the 
"Transit Monument" at the soutli-east corner of the Holland Pur- 
chase. 

Milestone 139 was placed in a westward prolongation of a line 
from Milestone 138 to the south edge of the " Transit Monument." 

Original Milestone 140 was at the corner of two Pennsylvania 
Land Districts. The milestone disappeared and this District Cornei- 
has for many years been marked by a stake M^tnessed by marked 
trees. The now milestone replaces tliis stake. 

Milestone 141 was placed in an eastward prolongation of the line 
drawn from Milestone 144 through a New York Section Corner a 
short distance M^est of 141. 

Milestones 142 and 143 were placed in line between 141 and 144. 

Milestones 146 and 147 were placed in line between Milestones 
145 and 148. 

Milestone 148 was placed in a westward prolongation of a line 
drawn from Milestone 145 through an old monument marking the 
corner of Sections 25 and 33 of Township 1, Eange 2 of the Hol- 
land Land Company's Purchase. By the Eecords of Surveys of 
this Company the 148 mile tree stood 14 chains 10 links west of this 
Section Corner. This distance inade the point too near the roots of 
a large Pine tree for safety. The monument was therefore placed 
two leet farther M^est. 

Astronomical Station Genesee Yalley was marked with a Station 
monument. 

The number of monuments set upon this Section is : 

Milestones 20 

Highway monuments 18 

Railroad do... 1 

Milestone 136f 1 

Holland Purchase (Corner 1 

Station Monument (Genesee Valley) 1 

Other intermediate monuments 'I 

New monuments set on Eighth Section 46 

Of these 23 were set in 1883, the remainder in 1884. All the 
monuments upon the Parallel Boundary west of the Eighth Section 
were set in the latter year. 

Milestones 142 and 144 ai-e also highway monuments. 



No. 71.] 167 

Ninth Section. 

Station Ceres to Station, Tuna Valley * 

Milestones- 151, 152, 154, 155, 156, 157, 159, 161, 162, 163, 164, 
and 165, being in place and nndispnted, were replaced by new mouu- 
luents. 

Milestone 149 was set in a westward prolongation of a line drawn 
from Milestone 148 through a point 3 feet north of the north side of 
the fonndation of the chnrch in the village of Ceres, and \ of the dis- 
tance from Milestone 148 to 151. 

Milestone 150 was placed midway between Milestones 149 and 151 
in an eastward prolongation of a line drawn from Milestone 151, 
through a marked Elm tree M^hich is the corner of two old Penn- 
sylvania subdivisions, 1287 feet west of 150. 

Milestone 153 was placed 8 feet west of tlie point where it was 
temporarily set up in 1878, and in a line drawn from Milestone 152 
through an old marked tree (dead hendock) standing upon the left 
bank, of the Allegany River.f 

Milestone 158 was placed midway in line between Milestones 157 
and 159. 

* See Sketch No. 8. ' 

f In Francis King's notes of tbe survey of the Keatinsx Estate in 1802 (Appendix 

J) occurs the remark "2G0.6 to a blaz'' Ehn on the bank of the 

Allegany, 278.9 to a marked stone (on the west bank of d°) w'^'' we removed to 
302.8 p' this appearing by the pointers to be its place." This was undoubtedly 
Milestone loo, and these distances were from a point 0.1 perch east of 152. These 
notes were not seen until after this point had been passed in 1878, and from the 
failure at that time to discover Milestones 152 and 154, this memorandum had a 
tendency to throw a shade of doubt over the proper location of the milestone, and 
also upon the accuracy of the measurements of the reconnaissance. The original 
Boundary map places 153 on the west bank of the river, apparently where it was 
found in 1878. The Holland Land Company's Section Survey Xotes place it 32 
feet west of the river bank. The present west bank is a narrow dyke, partly 
artificial, separating the navigable channel of the stream.from a wide, deep slough 
■ which extends some distance in either direction from the line. In the improve- 
ment of the river for rafting and navigation, years ago, both banks through the 
low bottom land were undoubtedly changed and straightened. In 1884, Mile- 
stones 152 and 154 were found, and a careful measurement was made west from 
the river to ascertain whether a point upon the west bank of the slough might not 
have been the place to which King removed the monument, upon the supposition 
that before the improvement of the bank the slough may have been mistaken for 
part of the river channel. It was found too wide to correspond with the notes ; 
and a comparison of his measurements with mine after locating 152 and 154, 
showed comparatively little discrepancy in distance between these two, and made 
it apparent that he intended to note that he found the stone on the East bank of 
the river, and moved it to the west bank where it belonged. This correction in 
his statement reconciles all discrepancies. The blazed Elm at 266.6 undoubtedly 
being upon the edge of the hard land east of the river bank proper, which at that 
time was low and swampy. Thomas Lightfoot in 1810 (Appendix .T) made the 
distance from 152 very nearly the same as King, after the removal. The distance 
between 1.52 and 154 "is 10493 teet, and a point midway would be in the middle 
of the slough, which is over 300 feet wide. After a careful consideration of all 
the circumstances the new milestone was set 5017.7 feet west of 152 near where 
the original was found lying upon the ground. King's distance from 152 to the 
point to which he removed 153 was 4986,3 feet. 



168 [Senate 

Milestone 160 was placed opposite trees which marked the proba- 
ble corner of two Peunsjlvania Land Districts, which was marked 
originally by the milestone, in a westward prolongation of the line 
between Milestones 157 ancl 159, 

When the place for Milestone IG-t was I'eached, the original mile- 
stone, which was quite prominently in sight in 1878, was not to be 
found, until after a long search it was discovered under a log of a 
large timber skidway, which had been laid upon the ground sur- 
romiding the site of the milestone, for the storage of logs, beside a 
tim])er railway. The original position of the milestone was readily 
fixed from the notes of the recomiaissance, the stakes in either 
direction having been found undisturbed. 

Milestones 166 and 167 were placed in line between Milestone 165 
and the Seventh Latitude Stone at 167 j^^ miles. 

Milestone 167y1j5- was placed against the east side of the Seventh 
Latitude Stone, which was left standing in place.* 

The pier of Station Ceres was removed and a Station monument 
buried in its j)lace. 

The number of monuments set upon this Section is : 

Milestones 20 

Highway mouuments 15 

Railroad do 5 

Otlier intermediate monuments 5 

Station monument (Ceres) 1 

New monuments on Ninth Section 46 



Milestones 149 and 166 are also highway monuments. 

Tenth Section. 

Station Tuna Valley to Station Corydon. 
Milestones 168, 171,t 172, 173, 175, 176, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 

* Sketch No. 13 exhibits on an exaggerated scale the extreme deflections in the 
Tuna Valley. 

f A discrepancy in the longitudinal position of Milestone 171 seemed apparent 
upon an examination of the notes of the Holland Land Company's Surveys. In 
the survey of the Western Transit Meridian (small H. L. Co., F. B., N". 68) the 
south end of that line is described as marked by a stone monument 6.33 chains 
east of Milestone 171. This monument was found with all the original witness 
trees about it, but 171 was 8.31 chains west of it nearly in line. The Section 
Field notes of the " Willink Strip" place 171, 7.65 chains west of the meridian 
monument. The interval between 170 and 171 is less than one mile, and it was 
not considered advisable to move the latter, especially as the Holland Land Com- 
pany's notes disagreed as to its location. 

By the section notes of the " Willink Strip " appears also an apparent discrep- 
ancy in the longitudinal position of Milestone 173, which would place it consider- 
ably east of where it was found in 1879 But as its alignment with the corner 
mouuments of the " Strip " was nearly perfect, and its position was about midway 
between 171 and 173, taken in connection with the uncertainty in the old notes as to 
the location of 171, there seemed to be no reason for a change, and the new monu- 
ment was placed where the old one stood. 




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No. 71.] 169 

and 183 being, or accepted as, in place and undisputed, were replaced 
with new monuments. 

Milestones 169 and 170 were placed in line between Milestones 
168 and 171. 

Milestone 174 was placed opposite the point at which the original 
was found lying and in a westward prolongation of a line drawn 
from Milestone 173 through the 3 Mile Post upon the south line of 
Township 1, Range 7, of the Holland Land Company's Purchase. 
The latter point is 1052.7 feet East of 174 and was fixed by measure- 
ment from the three original witness trees, and is marked b}' a 
granite monument. 

Milestone 177 is set midway between Milestones 176 and 178, and 
in an eastward prolongation of a line drawn from Milestone 178 
through the corner of the Towns of Ped House and South Valley. 
The latter point is 2534 feet west of 177 and was fixed by measure- 
ment from two of the original witness trees; and is marked with a 
granite monument. 

Milestone 184 replaces the monument set by the McKean and 
Warren County Line Commissioners in 1873. 

The Pier of Station Tuna Valley was removed and a Station monu- 
ment buried in its place. 

The number of monuments set upon this Section is, — 

Milestones 17 

Highway monuments 7 

Railroad do 1 

'■Transit" do ., 1 

Willink Strip Cor. monument 1 

Other intermediate do ... 5 

Station Monument (Tuna Valley) 1 

New monuments on Tenth Section 33 



Eleventh Section. 

Station Corydon to Station Sugar Grove. 

Milestones 188, 189, 192, 200, and 203 being in place and undis- 
puted were replaced with new mon laments. 

Milestone 185 M^as placed at the distance east of the south-west 
corner of the Allegaisy Indian Reservation, given in the Records of 
Surveys of the Holland Land Company, and in a westward prolonga- 
tion of line of Milestones 183 and 184. 

Milestone 186 was placed at the distance west of 185 given in the 
Records of Surveys of the Holland Land Company, and in line be- 
tween Milestones 185 and 188. 

Milestone 187 was placed midwav in line betM-een Milestones 186 
and 188. 

Milestone 190 was placed in line betAveen Milestones 189 and 191, 
opposite the point at which a stake was driven by the ownei' of an 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 22 



170 [Senate 

adjacent farm to mark the spot at which the original milestone stood 
v/hen it was broken down bv a falling tree. 

Milestone 191 was placed midway between Milestones 190 and 
192, in an eastward prolongation of a line drawn from Milestone 192 
through the 4 mile post on the south line of Township 1, Range 10, 
of the Holland Land Company's Purchase, This point is 1107. 1 feet 
w^est of 191 and was fixed in 1870 by O. D. Hinckley by measure- 
ment from the original witness trees, and is now marked by a granite 
monument. 

Milestone 193 was placed on a gravel knoll 5000 feet Avest of 
Milestone 192 in line toward 194. - 

Milestone 194 was placed against the east side of a large sandstone 
monument set in 1871, by tlie late A. T. Prendergast."-^ 

Milestone 195 was set 660 feet East of the Eiglith Latitude Stone 
at 19o^ miles, and in line toward Milestone 19i. It marks tiie 
corner of the Towns of Pine Grove and Farmington, in Warren 
County, Pennsylvania. 

Milestone 195^ was set against the east edge of the Eighth Lati- 
tude Stone, which was left standing in place. 

Milestone 196 was placed |- mile west of the Eighth Latitude 
Stone, and in line toward Milestone 199. 

Milestone 197 was placed in line between the Eighth Latitude 
Stone and Milestone 199, opposite the point at which a stake was 
kept up by the owner of the surrounding land to mark the site of 
the original mile-tree. The original Milestone was found, displaced, a 
short time before the new monument was set, in a stone-pile beside 
the road, where it had lain for many years. 

Milestone 198 was jjlaced midway in line between Milestones 197 
and 199. 

Milestone 199 was placed in a westward prolongation of a line 
drawn from the Eighth Latitude Stone through the 2|'niile-post 
upon the south line of Township 1, Range 11 of the Holland Land 
Company's Purcliase, and at the distance given in the Records of 
Surveys of that Corapan^^, west from the mile-post, to the position of 
the 199 mile-tree. The 2|^-mile-post was marked by a stake set by 
O. D. Hinckley in 1S70, by measurement from an original witness 
tree. The point is 2861.1 feet east of Milestone 199 and is now 
marked by a gi'anite monument. 

Milestones 201 and 202 were placed in line between 200 and 203. 
As a point one-third of the distance between the last two milestones 
was in a deep road-side gully. Milestone 2ul was placed ten feet far- 
ther west, and 202 was set midway between 201 and 203. 

*This is a fine monument of sandstone 5' feet high, 1'^ feet wide and Clinches 
thick. The point at which it stands, at the west side of a liighway. was fixed 
by Mr. Hinckley by reference to the remains of an old white oak tree wliich for- 
merly stood a short distance east in the line, and known for years as the •" State 
Line Tree." The late Judge Foote of Jamestown, in his letter to Secretary 
Wool worth in 1868, refers to this tree, having known it for 53 years. It was 
plainly marked, and may have been the original 194 mile tree. 



No. 71.] 171 

The site of Astronomical Station Corydou was marked with a 
Station Monument. 

The number of monuments set upon this section is, — 

Milestones 20 

Highway monuments '.'..*.*. 15 

Railroad monuments j 

Allegany Ind. Reservation Corner j 

Station monument (Corydon) j 

Other intermediate monuments g 

New monuments on Eleventh Section 43 



Milestones 186, 188, 197, 199, and 201 are also highway monu- 
ments. 

Twelfth Section. 
Station Sugar Grove to the South-west Corner of New Torh. 

Milestones 201 and 208 being in place were replaced with new 
monuments. These were the only original milestones fouud upon 
this section. 

Milestone 205 replaces a sleigh-shoe which has for years marked 
the corner of Pennsylvania Warrants No. 243 and 193.* 

Milestone 200 was placed in line between Milestones 205 and 207, 
opposite a stake set in 1881, by order of the Warren Coimty Com- 
missioners, to mark the line between the Towns of Sugar Grove and 
Freehold, 

Milestone 207 replaces three stakes of dillei'ent dates which have 
for years marked the corner of Pennsvlvania Warrants No. 192 and 
187 

Milestone 209 is placed midway in line between Milestones 208 
and 210. 

Milestone 210 is placed opposite the position of an old stake mark- 
ing the corner of Pennsylvania Warrants No. 104 and 103, in a 
westward prolongation of a line drawn from^Milestone 208 through 
the 3-mile-post upon the south line of Tovvnsiiip 1, Hange 13 of 
the Holland Land Company's Purchase. This point is a short dis- 
tance east of 210 and was*^ marked in 1870 by O. D. Hinckley, by 
measurement from original witness trees. 

Milestone 211 was placed in the westward prolongation of the same 
line opposite the fence which marked the hne between Pennsylvania 
Warrants No. 103 and 292. 

Milestone 212 replaces an authentic stake set to mark the corner of 
the Towns of Columbus and Freehold, Warren County, Penn. 

* The original mile points upon this Section east of 313 were made the conu^rs 
of Pennsylvania Land Warrants in the Surveys of 1796, and authentic Warrant 
corner stakes were therefore accepted in several instances in locating the new 
milestones. 



172 [Senate 

Milestones 213 and 214 were set at one-third and two-thirds of the 
distance, in hue between Milestones 212 and 215. 

Milestone 21 5 was set at three-sevenths the distance from Milestone 
212 to 219, and in an eastward prolongation of a line drawn from 
Milestone 218 through the corner of Sections 17 and 25, Township 
1, Range 14, of the Holland Land Company's Purchase. This Section 
Corner has long been marked by a stake set from the original witness 
trees, and is now marked by a highway monument. 

Milestones 216 and 217 were set, at one-third and two-thirds of 
the distance, in line between Milestones 215 and 218. 

Milestone 218 is set at one-seventh the distance from 219 to 212, 
and in an eastward prolongation of the line drawn from Milestone 
219 through the corner of Sections 49 and 57 of Township 1, Range 
14, of the Holland Land Company's Purchase. This Section Corner 
is marked by a granite monument which replaces a stake set from 
the original witness trees, which are still standing. 

Milestone 219 was placed in an eastward prolongation of a line 
drawn from the monument at the south-^vest corner of New York 
through the o|- mile-post, Township 1, Range 15 of the Holland Land 
Company's Purchase, and at the distance east of that mile-post 
(2002.4 feet) given in the Records of Sui-veys of that Company. The 
position of the mile-post was fixed by measurement from the stump 
of the original cherry witness, and is now marked by a highway 
monument. 

All the milestones west of 219 are placed in line between the 5^- 
mile-post and the " Corner " monument. 

Milestones 220 and 221 were placed at the distance, east and west, 
respectively, from the corner of Sections 9 and 17 of Township 1, 
Range 15 of the Holland Land Company's Purchase, as given in the 
Records of Surveys of that Company. 

Milestones 222, 223 and 224 were placed at one-fourth, one-half, 
and three-fourths the distance from Milestone 221 to 225, which, 
according to measurements made in 1802 by a Pennsylvania Deputy 
Surveyor (Cochran) was 825 feet west of the " Corner." 

The stake in the center of the road which marked the " Corner" 
of the State of jSTew York, at the south end of the Meridian Bound- 
ary, was replaced by a small monument set flush with the surface of 
the road. A large monument similar to that set near the Initial 
Point was set in the meridian 100 feet North. 

The piers of Station Sugar Grove and Clark were removed and 
replaced with Station monuments. The capstone of the pier of the 
latter Station was imbedded in place upon the surface of the ground 
over the monument, and a monument was set in the road at the in- 
tersection of the Boundary with the Meridian of the Station, 69.32 
feet north of the latter. 

The number of monuments set upon this section is, — 

Milestones 21 

Highway monuments ....,,.,..,..... 30 



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No. 71.] 173 

Railroad monuments 2 

"Corner" do !',!!!!..' 1 

Station do (Sugar Grove and Clark) 2 

Other intermediate monuments j 

New monuments on Twelfth Section 57 

Milestones 214,, 217, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223 and 224 are also high- 
way monuments. 

A large boulder upon which was cut a cross, marking the corner 
of Sections 41 and 49 of Township 1, Kange 13 of the Holland Land 
Company's Purchase, was reset in hne between Milestones 211 and 
212, at the request of the owners of the adjacent lands. 

Sketch No. 14 exhibits upon an exaggerated scale the condition 
of this section west of Milestone 208, and the manner in which it 
was adjusted. 

The whole number of new monuments which have been placed 
upon the Parallel Boundary is as follows : 

First Section 55 

Second do 41 

Third do 52 

Fourth do 31 

Fifth do . 49 

Sixth do 44 

Seventh do 38 

Eighth do 46 

Ninth do 46 

Tenth (Jo 33 

Eleventh do 43 

Twelfth do 57 

535 

Recapitulation 
By Counties in New York. 

Broome (including 2 in Delaware) . . 91 

Tioga 67 

Chemung 53 

Steuben 86 

Allegany 66 

Cattaraugus. , 87 

Chautauqua 85 

535 



Recapitulation 
By Counties in Pennsylvania. 

Wayne (including 2 in Delaware County, N. Y) 15 

Susquehanna 85 

Bratlford 107 

Tio^a i 74 

Potter 68 



174 [Senate 

McKean 83 

Warren 79 

Erie 25 

535 
Add to these the number set upon the Meridian Boundary, 1884-5 51 

Making the aggregate number of granite monuments upon the entire Boundary 58fi 



Of the milestones, thirty-nine upon the Parallel and fonr upon the 
Meridian, are classed in the " Record " as highway monuments. 

At the conclusion of the work upon the Meridian Boundary in 
1885, a portion of the party was transferred to the eastern extremity 
of the Parallel Boundary, and surveys were made for a topographical 
sketch of Delaware River at the intersection of the Boundary. A 
few notes were also taken in the vicinity of Waverly, and the line 
west of that place, for the purpose of locating the line of the new 
Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad upon the map. 

Appendix B contains descriptions of the locations of the milestones, 
with memoranda for their ready identification. 

Appendix C is a table of the Angular Deflections at the various 
milestones, and will be found useful to surveyors who may wish to 
retrace any portion of the Line. 

Appendix E contains descriptions of tlie location of the various 
County and Town Corners along the Boundary. 



No. Tl.J 175 



MERIDIAN BOUNDARY. 



Preliminary Historical Sketch. 

New York, both as a Province and as a State, had no fixed west- 
ern boundary until the year 1790, at which time the j)i"esent limit 
of tlie State, in that direction, was definitely ascertained and 
marked by milestones from the southern shore of Lake Erie to the 
parallel of 42°, which parallel was until about the same time, the 
only dividing line between this State and Pennsylvania. This 
western Boundary, unlike many other portions of the several di- 
viding lines which separate our territory from neighboring States, 
has never been, at any subsequent period, the subject of controversy, 
and for this reason its history is perhaps less known than that of our 
northern, eastern or southern limits. That there is bnt little extant 
information on this subject, and that those who. have been presumed 
to know the facts in the case have not been fully aware of these 
facts, may be apparent from the following statement : 

During tiie year 1865, Dr. Peters, the Director of the Observ^atory 
of Hamilton College, was employed by the State under the direction 
of the Regents of the irniversity and the Trustees of Hamilton 
College, in continuation of a series of similar scientific determina- 
tions, to ascertain the precise longitude of the Boundary line in 
question. In connection with this enterprise an inquiry naturally 
arose as to when^ hoio, and hy vjhom this line was originally run and 
marked with monuments of a more or less permanent character. 
As Dr. Peters was primarily in the service of the College, he was 
accustomed to counsel with the Secretary and Treasurer, Hon. O. S. 
Williams, to whom this historical inquiry was first referred. Judge 
Williams, of course, consulted the Revised Statutes, as the standard 
authority on such subjects. Mention being there made of a survey 
made by certain Commissioners in 1787, and of the erection by 
them of a certain monument at the southern termiims of the said 
western boundary, Judge Williams began to look for fuither de- 
tails in such works as were at hand. The search, however, revealed 
nothing, and a letter M-as accordingly addressed to the Secretary of 
the Board of Regents, asking that search be made with tlie sup- 
posed ample facilities of the State Library and the State Records for 
answering the proposed inquiries. The subject has received special 
attention, with a view of ascertaining the truth, and as far as possi- 
ble the whole truth in relation to it; but this research, contrary to 
expectation, has required whole months of patient labor : and even 
now the story can be but partly told, owing to the imperfection of 
the scattered records pertaining to it, and the probable destruction 



176 [Senate 

of some of tlie most important documents relating thereto.* 
Enough, however, has been ascertained to justify the affirmation 
that even the Revised Statutes are not historically correct, and that 
the hitherto unwritten history of the western Boundary of the State 
is one of singular interest and worthy of careful investigation. It 
is the object of the present paper to sketch the outline of such a 
history, or rather of the materials thus far available for such a pur- 
pose. 

As fundamental to the main subject, it is important to ascertain 
how far westward Kew York was supposed to extend prior to the 
final establishment of a fixed Boundary in that direction. 

The original Dutch settlers of I^ew Netherland, belonging to an 
eminently coast-wise and sea-faring race, seem to have cared far 
more to extend their settlements along the Atlantic coast, and the 
tidal current of the Hudson, than to penetrate the interior farther 
than their sailing craft could carry them ; for which reason not less, 
perhaps, than the insecurity of a frontier life, New York has not 
been at any time a distinctively Dutch Province, except along the 
valley of the Hudson and the lower portion of the Mohawk. It ac- 
cords with this tendency of the Dutch race, that during the entire 
period of their controversy with the English, for the sovereignty of 
tliis Province, they were very strenuous in their claims respecting, 
lands lying along the sea and the larger rivers, that is, to a belt of 
territory stretching north-east and south-westward along the Atlantic 
Coast, while they seem to have thought or cared little to avail them- 
selves of any considerable breadth of territory to the north-westward. 
Still there are some allusions which indicate that the Dutch claimed 
the jurisdiction of the interior, as far as to tlie Lakes and the St. Law- 
rence, partly on the ground of actual occupancy by pioneer settlers, 
and adventurers of their own. The English having wrested the 
province from the Dutch and coming in collision with the adverse 
claims of the French, were wont to use every argument — except that 
of prior occupancy, which they were forced to concede to the 
French, — to establish title to the frontier territory in dispute between 
the two nations, and they even refer to the ancient claims of the 
Dutch in the same direction, as giving additional validity to their 
own title. 

The first specific recommendation or opinion respecting New York 
Boundaries in the direction of the interior, so far as we hav^e observed, 
is that of William Penn in 1700, who proposes the St. Lawrence and 
the Lakes as the proper and natural Boundary between the English 
and the French; and it is not a little remarkable that his judgment 
in this matter was followed more than three-fourths of a century later, 
by the Commissioners on the part of Great Britain and the United 
States, in negotiating a mutual Boundary line between these two 
sovereign powers. 

The next step in advance was based upon the fact that the Six 

* See Regents' Boundary Report, i, 316-329. 



'No. 71.] 177 

Nations acknowledged themselves, even from the first settlement of 
the Colony, subject to the CroM-n of Great Britain, and it was there- 
fore claimed that the territory occupied by them as hunting ground, 
whether north or south of the chain of Lakes, belonged to the juris- 
diction of the Colony or Province of New York. This gave rise to 
a claim wdiich was in due time distinctly preferred, that the Province 
of New York included all the territory north of the Pennsylvania 
line as far west as Lake Huron, and as far north as the Province of 
Quebec, which latter Province as defined by the royal proclamation of 
1763 did not extend further south than the parallel of 45°, until the 
Imperial Act of 1774, extending the boundaries of Quebec further 
southward, and adding another to the list of grievances of which the 
Colonies complained, and for which they finally disavowed their alle- 
giance to the Crown. 

The conclusion to wdiich our researches on this point lead is, that 
at the period of the Revolution, New York assumed to extend to the 
utmost limits before named, and that her claim was recognized and 
respected by the sister States. Indeed we have met wdth but one 
opinion or expression derogatory to that claim, though that one, it 
must be conceded, is one entitled to some regard, being no less than 
James Madison himself, who insinuates, more in the style of a Yir- 
ginia politician than statesman, that the claims of New York to a 
large extent of w^estern territory, were j^referred rather for the sake 
of making capital from the professed relincpiishment of those claims 
for the general good of the Confederation than from an v serious con- 
viction ot their validity.* 

By the terms of their ancient Charters, some of the Colonies, par- 
ticularly Connecticut, Massachusetts and Virginia, claimed all the 
territory within certain limits of latitude fi-om the Atlantic to the 
Pacific or " South Sea " so called, excepting of course, in the case of 
Massachusetts, so much as was actually occupied by the Province of 
New York. As the limits of the latter were not positiv^ely established, 
there was conti'oversy between the two Provinces in regard to not 
only the eastern but also the western Boundary of Mew York, 
although the dispute in the latter case was less violent than in the 
former. Governor Tryon, in an elaborate argument made in the 
form of a report in the year 1774, exhibits the New York side of the 
case and disclaims any valid title on the part of Massachusetts not- 
withstanding the terms of her Charter, to an}-- portion of tei-ritory 
west of New York.f The question, however, remained an open one 
and the claims of Massachusetts seem to have been respected in the 
diplomacy of tiie period ending with the establishment of the inde- 
pendence of the Colonies. The indefiniteness wliich characterized 
the description of the original bounds of these and other Colonies, 

* " The claim of New York is very extensive, but lier title very flimsy. She 
urges it more with the hope of obtaining some advantage or credit by the cession 
than of ever maintaining it." [From " a sketch of the State of Opinions in the Old 
Congress, drawn up by Mr. Madison."] Sparks' Washington, viii, 547. 

f N. Y. Col. Hist., viii, 434, etc. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 23 



178 [Senate 

their territories in some eases obviously overlapping each other, laid 
the foundation for serious disputes during the Colonial period, and 
for still more serious controversy when the States became independ- 
ent of the Crown and assumed tlie ultunate sovereignty of these vast 
domains. Hence, tlie subject of the territorial extent of the several 
States, and of the ownership of the vast unoccupied territory f ormerl}' 
claimed by tlie Crown of Great Britain and known as the " Crown 
Lands," became one of the most important questions which came under 
the cognizance of the Continental Congress. As the States were en- 
tering into an arduous and expensive struggle for independence, and 
as some were comparatively rich and others poor in respect of terri- 
tory, and prospective revenue arising therefrom, the States which by 
their original charters were limited to definite Boundaries insisted 
that the others should relinquish for the general good, a portion, at 
least, of their western territory. The larger States, however, were 
not so indifferent to their newly assumed position of sovereign States, 
nor so ready to invest more than their relative proportion in a con- 
flict of doubtful issue, as to yield a ready assent to the claims prefer- 
red by the smaller States. When the Articles of Confederation and 
Perpetual Union were proposed and submitted to the several States 
for ratification, this subject of the western lands interposed the last 
and only i-eally serious obstacle, and the delegates of several of the 
States in Congress were instructed to insist upon a recognition of 
-their respectix^e claims in this respect, before subscribing to the 
Articles of Confederation. As Concrress had no authority to enforce 
these claims upon the States concerned, the only practicable method 
of solving the difficulty was merely to urge upon the States the duty 
of mutual concession in view of the necessity of united action in the 
face of a common and poM^erf ul foe. While uro;ing this duty of con- 
cession upon the larger States, the smaller were encouraged to hope 
that the progress of liberal sentiments and the obvious importance 
of a permanent Union, would finall}' secure all that they claimed, even 
though for the present denied. This mediation on the part of Con- 
gress availed to secure the ratification on the part of each State ex- 
cept Maryland, although some of the other States signed the Articles 
under protest. Maryland stoutly refused to sign until the land 
question should be finally and satisfactorily settled, and for more than 
two years from 1779, her signature alone was wanting to complete 
the formal Union of the States under the Confederation. The wis- 
dom and influence of Congress was taxed to the utmost in the ineflEect- 
ual attempt to induce the rival States to agree upon terms of settle- 
ment, and although no State absolutely withdrew her aid from the 
war, there was imminent danger that the league thus far devoid of 
any binding obligation would soon be totall}' dissolved, especially if 
reverses in the field should ensue. The language of the official docu- 
ments of that period is conclusive as to the forebodings which filled 
the minds of the leading statesmen of that period with reference to 
the issue of this bitter controversy. In this, which was, perhaps, 



No. 71.] 1T9 

more than any other, the very crisis of onr affairs and prospects as an 
united and independent people, one man and one State undertook the 
task which many men and many States in their collective capacity 
liad thus far failed to accomplish. And here it is not a little remark- 
able that the agency of this man, and this State by her voluntary act, 
has been either wholly or partially overlooked by our standard his- 
torians.* 

At the SucrGESTioN OF General Schuyler New York takes the 

Initiative. 

At this juncture General Philip Schuyler, one of the delegates from 
New York, addressed a letter to the Legislature of that State under 
date of 29 January, 1780. This letter is as follows : 

"' Gentlemen. Concieving it my Duty as a servant of the State to 
advise the Legislature of any Occurrences in Congress which may 
immediately affect either the Honor or the Weal of the State, I beg 
Leave to inform tlie honorable Houses in which you respectively 
preside of some Matters which I intended to have conveyed thro' 
his Excellency the Governor, supposing that to be the proper Chan- 
nel of Communication : but was prevented by his leaving the City, 
and as I humbly concieve the Subject wortiiy the immediate Atten- 
tion of the Legislature and that Evils may possibly arise from Delay, 
I have taken the Liberty to address myself to you, trusting that his 
Excellency's Candor and that of the Legislature will excuse the Im- 
propriety if it should be deemed one. 

"■ Deeply impressed with a Sense of the intrinsic Advantages which 
would probably result to the United States in general, and this in 
particular, from a perfect and permanent Keconciliation A'uth an 
Enemy so formidable to a weak and extensive Frontier as fatal Ex- 
perience has evinced the Indians to be, to whom Distance of Situa- 
tion seems no great Obstacle to prevent or retard their Incursions ; 
reflecting, with the most anxious Concern, on the Desolation and 
Variety of Distress incident on a Savage War ; apprehensive that 
they would consider themselves without any Alternative but that of 
recommencing Hostilities ; dreading the Effects of a consequent 
Desperation on their part ; flruily believing that the greatly deranged 
State of the public Finances would render it exceedingly difficult to 
procure the necessary Supplies for that Army only which must keep 
the Enemy's Force on the Sea Board in Check ; doubtful whether 
detachments of sufficient Force to protect the Frontiers could be 
spared from our Army whilst the British retained their present 
position ; aware of the Distresses and Expence incident on calling 
forth the Militia for the purpose ; convinced that an Obstacle of very 
interesting Importance would be removed if Events should happily 
arise which would permit us to turn our Attention to the Reduction 

* The first part of this Sketch of the History of the Meridian Boundary was pre- 
pared by the late Dr. D. J. Pratt, and was left incomplete at his death. 



180 [Senate. 

of Canada or the Enemies Fortresses in the interior parts of the 
Country; persuaded that no farther offensive Operations could be 
prosecuted against the Savages with any probable prospect of ade- 
quate Advantage I embraced the earhest opportunity to advise Con- 
gress of the Overtures made by the Cayugas, and took the liberty 
strongly to point at the Necessity of an Accomodation with all the 
Savages : but not being honored with an Answer as early as the Im- 
portance of the Object seemed to require, and wishing to improve the 
Advantage which the first Impulse occasioned by the Disaster the 
Indians had experienced would probably afford us, I hastened to Con- 
gress to sollicit their Determination which was obtained on the 

November last, Copy whereof I have tlie Honor to enclose. 

" Whilst the Report of the Committee on the Business I have 
alluded to was under Consideration a Member moved in substance 
' That the Commissioners for Indian Affairs in the Northern Depart- 
ment should require from the Indians of the six Nations, as a pre- 
liminary Article, a Cession of part of their Country, and that the 
Territory so to be ceded should be for the Benefit of the United 
States in general & grantable by Congress.' A Measure so evidently 
injurious to this State exceedingly alarmed and chagrined those whose 
Duty it was to attend to its Interests. They animadverted with 
Severity on the unjustifiable principle held up in the Motion ; the 
pernicious Consequence of divesting a State of its undoubted property 
in such an extrajudicial Manner was forcibly urged ; the Apprehen- 
sions with wiiich it would till and affect the Minds of a people who 
had been as firm in the present glorious Contest ; who had made 
more strenuous and efficacious Exertions to support it ; had suffered 
more and still suffered as much as any were strongly painted. The 
Improbability that the Indians would accede to a Reconciliation when 
such a preliminary was insisted upon was observed by many Mem- 
bers & urged on a Variety of Considerations. The Gentlemen in 
Favor of the Motion attempted to support it on the general Ground 
that what was acquired or conquered at the common Expence ought 
to enure to the common Benefit : that the Lands in Question, altlio' 
they might be comprehended witliin the Limits of the State of New 
York (which however was not acknowledged) was not the property 
of the State, that being either in the Natives or by Right of Con- 
quest in the United States. The Motion was nevertheless after some 
farther desultory Debate rejected : but from what droj)'d in the 
Debate we had Reason to apprehend that several who were opposed 
to the Motion founded their Opposition on the Necessity of a Recon- 
ciliation with the Indians, against which, they imagined the Spirit of 
the Motion would militate — and we had a few Days after a con- 
vincing proof that an Idea prevailed that this and some other States 
ought to be divested of part of their Territory for the Benefit of the 
United States, Mdien a Member afforded us the perusal of a Resolu- 
tion for which he intended to move the House purporting ' that aU 
the Lands within the Limits of any of the United States, heretofore 



No. Ti.] ISl 

grantable by the King of Great Britain whilst these States (then 
Colonies) were in the Dominion of that prince, and which had not 
been granted to Individuals should be considered as the joint prop- 
erty of the United States and disposed of by Congress for the Benetit 
of the whole Confedei'acy.' The Necessity and propriety of such an 
Arrangement was strenuously insisted upon, in private Conversation, 
and even supported by Gentlemen who represented States in Circum- 
stances seemingly sitnilar to ours with Respect to the Object of the 
intended Resolution. It was observed that if such States whose 
Bounds were either indefinite or were pretended to extend to the 
South Seas would consent to a reasonable Western Limitation, that 
it would supercede the Necessity of any intervention by Congress 
otlier than that of permanently estabhshiug the Bounds of each State: 
prevent Controversy and remove the Obstacle which prevented the 
Completion of the Confederation. As tliis State Avould be eminently 
affected by such a Measure it was deemed of Importance as fully to 
investigate tlieir Intentions as could be done consistent with that 
Delicacy and prudence to be observed on so interesting an Occasion 
and a Wish was accordingly expressed, as arising from mere Curi- 
osity, to know their Idea of a reasonable Western Limitation. This 
they gave by exhibiting a Map of the Country, on which they drew a 
Line from the North west Corner of Pennsylvania (which on that 
Map was laid down as in Lake Erie) thro' the Strait that leads to On- 
tario and thro' that Lake and down the St. Lawrence to the forty- 
fifth Degree of Latitude for the Bounds of this State in that Quarter. 
Virginia, the two Carohnas and Georgia tliev propose to restrict bv 
the Alleghany Mountains, or at farthest by the Ohio to where that 
River enters the Mississippi and by the latter River to the south 
Bounds of Georgia — That all the Territory to the west of those 
Limits should become the property of the Confederacy. We found 
this Matter had been in Contemplation some Time, the Delegates 
from North Carolina having then already recpiested Instructions from 
their Constituents on the Subjects, and my Colleagues were in Sen- 
timent with me that it should be humbly submitted to the Legisla- 
ture, if it would not be proper to communicate their pleasm'e in the 
premises by Way of Instruction to their Servants in Congress. 

" I am gentlemen with great respect dz esteem Your most obe- 
dient Humble Servant PH : SCHUYLER. 

'• The Honble Pierre Van Cortlandt and Evert Banker Esq'=."* ' 

The New York Legislature took prompt action upon the sugges- 
tions of this informal message, and passed 19 February, — 

'• An Act to facilitate the Completion of the Articles of Confed- 
eration imd perpetual Union among the United States of America. 

•' Whereas nothing under Divine Providence, can more effectually 
contribute to the Tranquillity and Safety of the United States of 

*N. T. Legis. Papers (MS.), No. 1544. Van Cortlandt was Lieutenant-Governor 
and President of tlie Senate, and Bancker was Speaker of the Assembly. 



1S2 [Senate 

America^ than a fetleral Alliance on such Hberal Principles as will 
give Satisfaction to its respective Members; Ayid ichtreas the Arti- 
cles of Confederation and perpetual Union, recommended by the 
Honourable Congress of the United States of Ainei^ica^ have not 
proved acceptable to all the States, it having been conceived, that a 
Portion of the Waste and uncultivated Territory, within the Limits 
or Claims of certain States, ought to be appropriated, as a common 
Fund for the Expenses of the War : And the People of this State of 
JS^eic York, being, on all Occasions, disposed to manifest their Regard 
for their Sister States, and their earnest desire to promote the general 
Interest and Security, and more especially to accelerate the federal 
Alliance, by removing, as far as it depends upon them, the before 
mentioned Impediment to its linal Accomplishment ; 

"' I. Be it therefore Enacted hy the People of the State of New 
York, represented in, Senate and AsseTnily, and it is hereby Enacted 
hy the Authority of the i>ame. That it shall and may be lawful, to 
and for the Delegates of this State, in the Honourable Congress of 
the United States of Atnetnca, or the major Part of such of them as 
shall be assembled in Congress : and they the said Delegates, or the 
major Part of them, so assembled, are hereby fully authorised 
and empowered, for and on Behalf of this State, and by proper and 
authentic Acts or Instruments, to limit and restrict the Boundaries 
of this State in the Western Parts thereof, by such Line or Lines, 
and in such Manner and Form, as they shall judge to be expedient, 
either with Eespect to the Jurisdiction, as well as the Right or Pre- 
emption of soil ; or reserving the Jurisdiction in Part, or in the 
Whole, over the lands which may be ceded or relinquished, with 
Respect only to the Right or Pre-emption of the Soil. 

"II. And he it further Enacted hy the Authority aforesaid. 
That the Territory which may be ceded or relinquished by virtue of 
this Act, either with Respect to the Jmisdiction as well as the Right 
or Pre-emption of Soil, or the Right or Pre-emption of Soil only ; 
shall be, and enure for the Use and Benefit of such of the United 
States, as shall become Members of the federal Alliance of the said 
States, and for no other Use or Purpose whatsoever. 

"' HI. And he it further Enxicted hy tfte A uthority aforesaid, 
That all the Lands to be ceded and rehnquished by Virtue of this 
Act, for the Benefit of the L^'nited States, with Respect to Property ; 
but which shall nevertheless remain under the Jtirisdiction of this 
State ; shall be disposed of and appropriated in such Manner only, 
as the Congress of the said States shall direct ; and that a Warrant, 
under the Authority of Congress, for Surveying and laying out any 
Part thereof, shall entitle the'Party, in whose Favour it shall issue, to 
cause the same to be surveyed, and laid out, and rettirned, according 
to the Directions of such "Warrant ; and thereupon. Letters patent 
under the Great Seal of this State, shall pass to the Grantee for the 
Estate specified in the said Warrant ; for which, no other Fee or 
Reward shall be demanded, or received, than such as shall be allowed 
by Congress. 



Ko. 71.] 183 

" IV. Provided always^ and he it further Enacted hy the Aiir 
ihority aforesaid^ That the Trust reposed by Virtue of this Act, 
shall not be executed by the Delegates of this State, unless, at least 
three of the said Delegates shall be present in Congress."* 

And at the same time the Legislature adopted the following : 
" Instructions . ... to their delegates in the Honourable 
Congress of the United States of America.'' 

" Whereas by an Act passed at this present meeting of the Legis- 
lature held at the city of Albany Entitled An Act to facilitate the 
Completion of the articles of Confederation & perpetual Union 
among the United States of America. 

" You the said delegates are authorized to hmit and restrict the 
boundaries of this State In the western parts thereof by such line or 
lines and in such manner and form as you for the purposes mentioned 
in the said act shall Judge expedient. And M'hereas ; It is Con- 
ceived necessary in a business of such high moment to the state that 
you should be Instructed by the legislature m the Discharge of tlie 
trust reposed in you by the Said Act : You are therefore directed 
in limiting the said boundaries to Insist on the following propositions 
in the order in which they stand viz*' : 

" 1*'. On a line from the North East Corner of Pennsylvania along 
the north bounds thereof to Its north-west Corner and Continued 
from thence until! It Intersects a Meridian Line drawn from the 45*" 
degree of North Lattitude thro a point ten miles due west from the 
most westerly Bent or Inclination of the Strait between Lake Erie 
and Lake S' Clair ; Thence by the said Meridian line to the 45*^ 
degree of North lattitude and thence by the said 45**' degree of 
North lattitude. 

"2**'^. On a line from the North East Corner of Pennsylvania 
along the north bounds thereof to Its north west Corner and Con- 
tinued from thence until It Intersects a Meridian Line drawn from 
the 44**^ degree of North Lattitude thro a point ten miles due west 
from the most westerly bent or Inclination of the Strait between 
Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair thence by the Said Meridian line to the 
44th (^ggj.ge of North lattitude Thence by the said 44*'' degree of 
North Lattitude to lake Ontario or the Piver S*^. Lawrence Thence 
down the north banks of the Said Lake and the Said river to the 
IS*** degree of north Lattitude, thence by the said 45*'' degree of 
north Lattitude. 

" S*^'^'. On the bounds mentioned In the first proposition for the 
Jurisdiction of this State ; Yielding up to the united States the right 
of or preemption of Soil of the tract of Country lying west of a 
Meridian line drawn from the 45**^ degree of north Lattitude thro a 
point twenty Miles due west of the most westerly bent or Inclination 
of the river or Strait of Niagara as far south & North & West of the 
s'd Meridian line as this State extends. 

u 4hiy_ Qj^ ^j^g bounds mentioned In the Second proposition for 

*N. Y. Legis. Papers (MS.), No. 126. ' 



184: [Sknate 

the Jurisdiction of this State Yielding up to the united States the 
right or preemption of Soil of the tract of Countrj described In the 
third proposition. 

" 5'='^'. On a line from the North East Corner of Pennsylvania along 
the north bounds thereof to the northwest Corner thence southerly 
along the west bounds thereof until the head of the Cayahoga bears due 
west thence due west to the Head of the Cayahoga thence down the 
Cayahoga to the mouth thereof thence due north to the 44"' degree of 
North Latitude, thence by the 44*'' degree of north latitude to Lake 
Ontario or the River St. Lawrence; thence by the North banks of 
the said Lake and of the said Kiver to the 45"' degree of North 
Lattitude & thence by the said 45'^'' degree of North latitude. 

"6'''^. On the bounds described In the fifth proposition for the 
Jurisdiction of this state Yielding up to the united States the right 
or preemption of Soil of the tract of Country described in the third 
proposition and also the right or preemption of Soil of the tract of 
Country laying west of Pennsylvania and on the South Side of Lake 
Erie. 

ufjhiy^ You are at liberty to agree upon any other line or lines 
which You may Judge from Circumstances to be Consistent with 
Y^our trust and equally advantageous tor the State with either of the 
Propositions above mentioned but if neither of the said propositions 
or such others as you shall state shall take place You shall In no case 
restrict or limit the Bounds of the State so as to Exclude or relinquish 
Any part of the Territory comprized within the following descrip- 
tion which you are to Consider and Maintam as the ultimatum of 
this State both In respect of the right of soil or Preemption from 
the Natives and of Jurisdiction subject to the Proviso hereinafter 
named to witt — a line from the North East Corner of Pennsylvania 
along the north bounds thereof to Its northwest Corner continued 
due west untill It shall ije Intersected by a meridian line to be drawn 
from the 45"' degree of North lattitude thro a point twenty miles 
due west from the most westerly bent or Inclination of the River or 
strait of Niagara, thence by the said Meridian line to the 45*'' de- 
gree of North Lattitude, and thence by the Said 45*'' degree of 
North Latitude, Provided Nevertheless that If the Great object 
of the Said Act cannot otherwise be accomplished you Shall be at. 
Liberty to cede for the benefit of the united States the right or pre- 
mption of Soil reserving tlie Jurisdiction, or even both the right or, 
Preemption of Soil and of Jurisdiction to that tract of land part of' 
the Territory described In this Ultimatum which lies east of the 
Meridian Line mentioned in this Ultimatum and North of the 44*'' 
degree of North Lattitude and of the Lake Ontario and of the River 
St. Lawrence."* 

To us who know the comparatively small and insignificant area of 
territory which was actually covered by this release, the promjit ac- 
tion ©f New York, concurred in afterward by Massachusetts, who 

* X. Y. Legis. Papers (MS.), No. 596. 



Ko. n.] 185 

had a prior claim upon the land, would seem really to have been in 
the nature of '' buncombe," or a shrewd political move to effect a 
grand purpose with a very small sacrifice, as Madison assei'ted ; but 
M'hen we consider that tliis action was taken in the hight of the 
Revolution, with the tide of success just upon the turn in favor of 
the United States, and the probable northern limit of the embryo 
republic still unknown, the case assumes a different aspect. 

Governor Tryon in liis Report upon the Province of New York 
in 177-4,* while he acknowledged that under the grant to the Duke 
of York the Delaware River formed the M^esteru Boundary of the 
Province, had claimed that under the treaties of 1701 with the Five 
ISTationSjf and 1726 with the Cayugas, Onondagasand Senecas,:{: the 
real boundaries of the Province were the '' Streights of Detroit and 
of Lake Huron " on the west and the Parallel of 45 degrees on the 
north. This was the flimsy title to which Madison referred. 

Governor Tryon based his description of the Northern Boundary 
of the Province, north-west of the Saint Lawrence and Lake On- 
tario, upon the Royal Proclamation of 7 October, 1763, fixing the 
southern Boundary of the Province of Quebec. Parliament, 23 
June, 177-i, passed what is known as the " Quebec Bill," which an- 
nexed to tluit Province all the territor}^ ceded by the treaty of Peace 
of 1763, west of the Niagara Riv^cr, Lake Erie and the western 
boundary of Pennsylvania, and north-west of the Ohio River. This 
bill M'as opposed in all its stages by Edmund Burke, and was de- 
nounced by Lord Chatham as " a most cruel, oppressive and odious 
measure." Burke succeeded in having a section insertetl providing 
*'That nothing herein contained relative to the Boundary of the 
Province of Quebec, shall in any wise affect the Boundaries of any 
other Colony." This bill formed one of the grievances of the Colo- 
nies, which precipitated the Revolution. 

Early in 1779 Congress was considering the ultimata to be de- 
manded fn a negotiation for peace, and upon 19 March adopted the 
following : " 1. That the thirteen United States are bounded, north, 
by a line to be drawn from the north-west angle of Nova Scotia, 
along the high lands which divide those rivers which empty them- 
selves into the river St. Lawrence from those which fall into the 
Atlantic ocean to the north-westernmost head of Connecticut river; 
thence down along the middle of that river to the forty-fifth degree 
of north latitude ; thence due M'est in the latitude forty-five degrees 
north from the equator, to the north-westernmost side of the river 
St. Lawrence, or Cadarac^ui ; thence strait to the South end of lake 
Nepissing ; and thence strait to the source of the river Missis- 
sippi " 

The Commissioner (Mr. Adams) appointed to negotiate a treaty of 
peace was required in his instructions to conform to these ultimata. 
Although the new instructions by Congress, 15 June, 1781, to the 
Oommissioners practically repealed the others, so far as Boundaries 

. * N. Y. Col. Hist., viii, 434-457. f Idem, iv, 908-9. t Idem, v. 800-1. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 24 



186 [Senates 

were concerned, they were still held to as expressing the expecta- 
tions of Congress.* In the negotiations at Paris in 1782, the 
Boundaries as tirst fixed were first acceded to by the British Com- 
mission, but being submitted to tlie King were rejected. 

In the second set of Articles agreed to 5 Nov., 1782, the northern 
Boundary was fixed : — 

" and along the said highlands to the northwestern- 
most head of Connecticut river, thence down along the middle of 
that river to the 45"' degree of north latitude, following the said lati- 
tude until it strikes the river Mississippi.*' 

The third set which was finally adopted fixed the present Boundary, 
where William Penn had suggested eighty years before. 

Thus it will be seen that the territory so readily released by New 
York and Massachusetts was supposed at the time to be quite as ex- 
tensive as that held by Yirginia, and the actual sacrifice was greater 
as the line of Cession was placed farther east than the lines agreed to 
by any of the other Provinces as they afterward successively ceded 
their western lands. The description of the New York line of ces- 
sion shows that the " 15"' degree of North latitude " was understood 
to he the nortliern Boundary of New York west of the Kiver St, 
Lawrence. This idea is further supported by the instructions to her 
delegates in 1780, quoted above, when they were authorized to cede 
territory east of the meridian and north of the 44"' degree, etc. 

The charter claim of Massachusetts covered but little more than 
one-fifth of the area of the western lands thus considered to be apper- 
taining to !tjew York, although it included the entire area of the 
territory as actually ceded. 

September 6, 1780, "Congress took into consideration the report 
of the committee to whom were referred the instructions of the gen- 
eral assembly of Maryland to their delegates in Congress, respecting 
the articles of confederation, and the declaration therein referred to, 
•the act of the legislature of New-York on the same subject, and the 
remonstrance of the general assembly of Yirginia ; which report was 
agreed to," and this resolution adopted, 

" Resolved, That copies of the several papers referred to the com- 
mittee be transmitted, with a copy of the report to tlie legislatures 
of the several states, and that jt be earnestly recommended to those 
states, who nave claims to the western country, to pass such laws, 
and give their Delegates in Congress such powers as may effectually 
remove the only obstacle to a final ratification of the articles of con- 
federation; and that the legislature of Maryland be earnestly requested 
to authorize their delegates in Congress to subscribe the said articles." 

Copies of the report and of the several papers therein referred to, 

* " As to disputed Boundaries and other particulars, we refer you to the instruc- 
tions formerly given to Mr. Adams, dated 14th August, 1779, and 18th October, 
1780, from which you will easily perceive the desires and expectations of Con- 
gress; but we think it unsafe, at this distance, to tie you up by absolute and per- 
emptory directions upon any other subject than the two essential articles above 
mentioned." 



No. 71.] 187 

were sent to the Governors of the several States prefaced by a circu- 
lar from the President of Congress, in which he says, '■■ 1 am directed 
to transmit copies of this report and the several papers therein men- 
tioned to tliQ legislatures of the several states, that they all may be 
informed of the desires and endeavours of congress on so important 
a subject, and those particular states wliich have claims to the western 
territory and the state of Maryland, may adopt the measures recom- 
mended by cojigress in order to obtain a final ratification of the 
articles of confederation." 

In response to this appeal from Congress Virginia, 3 January, 1781, 
passed the following resolution " For a cession of the lands on the 
north west side of Ohio to the United States." 

" The general assembly of Virginia being well satisfied that the 
happiness, strength and safety of the United States, depend, under 
Providence, upon the ratification of the articles for a federal union 
between the United States, heretofore jiroposed by congress for tlie 
consideration of the said states, and preferring the good of their 
country to every object of smaller importance, Do Resolve, Tliat tliis 
commonwealth will yield to the congress of the United States, ioT 
the benefit of the said United States, all right, title, and claim that 
the said commonwealth hath to the lands northwest of the river 
Ohio, upon the following conditions, to wit : That the territory so 
ceded shall be laid out and formed into states containing a suitable 

extent of territory, That the States so formed shall 

be distinct republican States, and be admitted members of the federal 
union, having the same rights of sovereignty freedom, and independ- 
ence as the other States 

" That all the 'lands within the territory so ceded to the United 
States, and not reserved for or appropriated to any of the herein be- 
fore mentioned purposes, or disposed of in bounties to the officers 
and soldiers of the American army, shall be considered as a common 
fund for the use and benefit of sucli of the United American States, 
as have become or shall become members of the confederation or 
federal alliance of the said states (Virginia inclusive) according to 
their usual respective proportions in the general charge and expendi- 
ture, and shall be faithfully and bona fide disposed of for that pur- 
pose, and for no other use or purpose whatsoever 

"That all the remaining territory of Virginia included between the 
Atlantic ocean and the southeast side of the river Ohio, and the 
Maryland, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina boundaries, shall be 
guaranteed to the commonwealth of Virginia by the said United 
States. 

" That the above cession of territory by Virginia to the United 
States shall be void and of none effect, unless all the states in the 
American Union shall ratify the articles of confederation heretofore 
transmitted by congress for the consideration of the said states. 

" Virginia having thus for the general good proposed to cede a 
great extent of valuable territory to the continent, it is expected in 



^ 188 [Senate 

return that every other State in the Union, under similar circum- 
stances as to vacant territory, will make similar cessions of the same 
to the United States for the general emolument."* 

The action of New York and Virginia so far obviated the objec- 
tions of Marylaud that her Legislature passed "An Act toenipower 
the delegates of this State in Congress to subscribe and ratify the 
articles of confederation." 

"And that the said articles of confederation and perpetual union, 
so as aforesaid subscribed, shall henceforth be ratified and become 
conclusive as to this state, and obligatory thereon. And it is hereby 
declared, that, by acceding to the said confederation, this state dotli 
not relincpiish, or intend to relinquish, any right or interest she hath, 
with the other united or confederated state?, to the back country ; 
but claims the same as fully as was done by the legislature of this 
state, in their declaration, which stands entered on the journals of 
Congress; this state relying on the justice of the several states here- 
after, as to the said claim made by this state. 

"And it is further declared, that no article in the said confederation, 
can or ought to bind this or any other state, to guarantee any exclu- 
sive claim of any particular state, to the soil of the said back lands, or 
any such claim of jurisdiction over the said lands or the inhabitants 
, thereof." 

James Duane, one or the New York delegates, wrote 3 February 
to the presiding ofticers of the New York Legislature : 

" Amidst our many and great Embarasments we have the satis- 
faction to inforni you that Virginia has ceded to the united States 
all her Claims to the westward of the Ohio ; and we are preparing 
to execute our powers on the same Subject. Maryland we are in- 
formed, though not ofhcially, has ■ acceded to the Confederation : 
we believe there is no doubt of the Fact, These are Events of the 
utmost moment to our Lidependence and future Tranquility, and 
they are more pleasing as onr State has taken the Lead in the meas- 
ures bv which they liave been accomplished." 

In Congress, 1 March, 1781, the Delegates from New York signed 
the following declaration : 

"Whereas it is stipulated as one of the conditions of the cession 
of territory, made for the benefit of the United States by the legis- 
lature of the state of Virginia, that the United States should guar- 
antee to that state the bo'undarics reserved by her legislature for 
her future jurisdiction ; and it would be unjust that the state of 
New York, as a member of the federal union, should be compelled 
to guarantee the territories which shall be reserved by other states 
making such cessions, when her OM^n boundaries, as they are to be 
limited and restricted by the act or instrument of cession now to be 
executed, shall not be guaranteed in the same manner ; wherefore, 
the said delegates for tlie state of New York, being uninstructed on 
this subject by their constituents, think it their duty to declare, and 

* Hening's (Va.) Statutes at Large, x, 564-6. 



No. 71.] 189 

they do by this present instrnment declare, that the cession of terri- 
tory and restriction of boundary of the state of New York, now to 
be made by them in behalf of the people, of the said state, shall not 
be absolute ; but on the contrary shall be subject to ratification or 
disavowal by the people of the said state, represented in senate and 
assembly, at their pleasure ; unless the boundaries reserved for the 
future jurisdiction of the said state, by the instrument of cession now 
to be executed by us, shall be guaranteed by the United States, in the 
same manner and form as territorial rights of the other states shall 
be guaranteed, which have made or may make cessions of part of 
their claims for the benefit of the United States ; the people of the 
state of New York, on their part, submitting tliat any part of their 
limits, which are or may be claimed by any of the United States, 
shall be determmed and adjusted in the mode prescribed for that 
purpose by the articles of confederation." 

After which, in the same presence, they executed also a Deed of 
Cession, by which they, "for and in behalf of the said state of 
New York, limit and restrict the boundaries of the said state in the 
western parts thereof, witli respect to the jurisdiction, as Avell as the 
right or pre-emption of soil, by the lines and in the form following, 
that is to say : a line from the northeast corner of the state of 
Pennsylvania, along the north bounds thereof to its north-west cor- 
ner continued, due west until it shall be intersected by a meridian 
line, to be drawn from the 45'^ degree of north latitude, through 
the most westerly bent or inclination of lake Ontario ; thence by 
the said meridian line to the 45"" degree of north latitude; and 
thence by the said 45"' degree of north latitude ; but if on ex- 
periment, the above described meridian line shall not compre- 
hend 20 miles due west from the most westerly bent or inclination 
of the river or strait of Niagara, then we do by these presents, in 
the name of the people, and for and on behalf of the state of New 
York, and by virtue of the authority aforesaid, limit and restrict 
the boundaries of the said state in the western parts thereof, with re- 
spect to jurisdiction, as well as the right of pre-emption of soil, by 
the lines and in the manner following, that is to say ; a line from 
the north-east corner of the State of Pennsylvania," [etc., as 

above], '' And we do by these presents in the name 

of the people, and for and on behalf of the state of New York, and by 
virtue of the power and trust committed to us by the said act and 
commission, cede, transfer, and forever relinquish to, and for the 
only use and benefit of such of the states aa are or shall become 
parties to the articles ot confederation, all the right, title, interest, 
jurisdiction and claim, of the said state of New York, to all lands 
and territories to the northwar.d and westward of the boundaries, 
to which the said state is I'n manner aforesaid limited and restricted 
and to be granted, disposed of, and appropriated in such manner 
only, as the Congress of the said United or Confederated States shall 
order and directr" 



190 [Senate 

Thereupon two of the Delegates of Maryland did, " in behalf of 
the said state of Maryland, sign and ratify tlie said articles, by which 
act the confederation of the United States of America was completed, 
each and every of the Thirteen United States, from New Hampshire 
to Georgia, both included, having adopted and confirmed, and by 
their delegates in Congress ratified the same." 

The New York Deed of Cession was referred to a committee 
which already had under consideration the Virginia act of Cession, 
the remonstrances of claimants of certain of Virginia's western lands, 
and a conditional act of Cession passed by the Legislature of Con- 
necticut 12 October, 1780. 

The Committee 1 May, 1782, reported the following resolution ; 
" That Congress do, in behalf of the United States accept the cession 
made by the state of New York, as contained in the instrument of 
writing execnted for that pnrpose by the agents of New York, dated 
the — day of — last past, and now among the tiles of Congress ; and 
that the president do take the proper measures to have the same 
legally authenticated, and registered in the pubhc records of the State 
of New York,'' and stated the reasons which induced them to recom- 
mend the acceptance : 

" 1st. It clearly appeared to your committee that the lands belong- 
ing to the Six Nations of Indians, and their tributaries, have been in 
due form put under the protection of the crown of England by the 
said Six Nations, as appendant to the late government of New York, 
so far as respects jurisdiction only. 

'' 2d. That the citizens of the said colony of New York have borne 
the burthen, both as to blood and treasure, of protecting and sup- 
porting the said Six Nations of Indians, and their tributaries, for 
upwards of 100 years last past, as the dependants and allies of the 
said government. 

"3d. That the crown of England has always considered and treated 
the country of the said Six Nations, and their tributaries, inhabiting 
as far as the 45th degree of north latitude, as appendant to the gov- 
ernment of New York. 

" 4th. That the neighboring colonies of Massachusetts, Connecti- 
cut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, have also, from time to 
time, by their public acts, recognized and admitted the said Six 
Nations, and their tributaries, to be appendant to the government of 
New York. 

" 5tii. That by Congress accepting this cession, the jurisdiction of 
the whole western territory belonging to the Six Nations and their 
tributaries, Avill be vested in'the United States, greatly to the advan- 
tage of the Union." 

Tiie committee also submitted the following, with their reasons: 

" Resolved, That Congress do earnestly recommend to the states 
of Massachusetts and Connecticut, that tliey do without delay release 
to the United States in Congress assembled, all claims and pretensions 
of claim to the said western territory, without any conditions or re- 
strictions whatever." 



No. 71.] 191 

" Resolmd, That Congress cannot, consistent with the interests of 
the United States, the duty they owe to their constituents, or the 
rights necessarily vested in tliem as the sovereign power of the 
United States, accept of tlie cession proposed to be made by the 
State of Virginia, or guarantee the tract of country claimed by 
them in their act of cession referred to your committee 

'• Resolved^ That it be earnestly recommended to the State of Vir- 
ginia, as they value the peace, welfare, and increase of the United 
States, that they re-consider their said act of cession, and by a proper 
act for that purpose, cede to the United States all claims and preten- 
sion of claim to the lands and country beyond a reasonable western 
boundary, consistent with their former acts while a colony under the 
power of Great Britain, and agi-eeable t5 their just rights of soil and 
jurisdiction at the commencement of the pi-esent war, and that free 
from any conditions and restrictions whatever." 

The general discussion of the subject was prolonged through the 
Session, until 29 October, 1782, when ou motion of the Delegates 
from Maryland it was, •' Resolved, That Congress do, in behalf of 
the United States, accept all the right, title, interest, jurisdiction 
and claim of the state of New York, as ceded by and contained in 
the instrument of writing executed for that pui-pose by the agents 
of New York, dated the iirst of March, 17S1," Massachusetts and 
Virginia voting in the negative. 

Thenext day a motion "That it be resolved, that nothing in the 
resolve passed yesterday, be understood to operate towards prevent- 
ing the determination of any dispute that has arisen or may arise 
concerning territory, between the state of New York and any other 
state or states in tlie union, by the 9th article of the confederation, 
in tlie same manner as if the cession had not been made," was re- 
jected. This referred to the contest between Massachusetts and New 
York (see Appendix L). 

The discussion of the Virginia act of Cession still continued. The 
delegates from New Jersey in June, 1783, presented a remonstrance 
from the Legislature of that State in which " They do therefore ex- 
press their dissatisfaction with the cession of western territory made 
by the State of Virginia, in January, 1781, as being far short of 
affording that justice which is equally due to the United States at 
large, and request that Congress will not accept of the said cession, 
but that tliey will press upon the said state to make a more liberal 
surrender of that territory of which they claim so boundless a pro- 
portion." 

Upon 11 and 13 September, the report of the committee on the 
cession of Virginia was again considered, and after being amended 
by adding the following paragraph, it was adopted. 

" As to the last condition [8. Tliat all the remaining territory of 
Virginia, included between the Atlantic ocean and the southeast side 
of the river Ohio, and the Maryland, Pemisylvania and North-Caro- 
lina boundaries, should be guaranteed to the commonwealth of Vir- 



192 [Senate 

ginia, by the United States] your committee are of opinion, that con- 
gress cannot agree to guarantee to the commonwealth of Virginia, the 
land described in the said condition, without entering into a discussion 
of the right of the state ol Virginia to the said land ; and that by the 
acts of Congress it appears to have been their intention, which tlie 
committee can not but approve, to avoid all discussion of the terri- 
torial rights of individual states, and only to recommend and accept 
a cession of their claims whatsoever they might be, to vacant terri- 
tory. Your committee conceive this condition of a guarantee, to be 
either unnecessary or nnreasonable; inasmuch as, if the land above- 
mentioned is really the property of the state of Virginia, it is suffi- 
ciently secured by the confederation, and if it is not the property of 
that state, there is no reason or consideration for such guarantee. 

" Your committee therefore upon the whole recommend, that if 
the legislature of Virginia make a cession conformable to this report, 
Congress accept such cession." 

The Virginia Legislature soon afterward passed a new act of Ces- 
sion in accordance with the terms stipulated by Congress '* in full 
confidence that congress will, in justice to this state for the liberal 
cession she hath made, earnestly press upon the other states claiming 
large tracts of waste and uncultivated territory, the propriety of 
making cessions equally liberal for the common benefit and support 
of the' union.''* And on the 1'' day of March, 1784, the Delegates 
from Virginia signed the Deed of Cession and Congress ordered 
" the same to be recorded and enrolled among the acts of the United 
States in Congress assembled." 

April 29, Congress resolved to again present the subject to the 
States which had not yet complied with the recommendations to cede 
the vacant territory, and adjourned upon the third day of June after 
receiving a petition from the Legislature of Massachusetts setting 
forth that New York had possession of a ])art of the land covered by 
her charter, and tequesting a court agreeably to the provisions of the 
Articles of Confederation. 

Upon 13 November following, the Legislature of Massachusetts 
passed " An Act empowering the Delegates of the Commonwealth, 
in the United States in Congress assembled, to relinquish to the 
United States certain Lands, the Property of this Commonwealth. 

" Whereas several of the States in the Union have at present no 
interest in the great and extensive tract of uncultivated country, 
lying in tlie westerly part of the United States, and it may be rea- 
sonable that the States above mentioned should be interested in the 
aforesaid country : 

" Be it enacted hy the Senate and Rouse of Representatives^ m 
General Court assembled, and hy ■ the authority of the same, That 
the delegates of this Commonwealth, in the United States in Con- 
gress assembled, or any threef of the said delegates, 1)e, and they 
hereby are authorized and empowered, for and in behalf of this 

* Hening's Stat., xi, 326-8. t Afterward amended to two. 



No. 71.] 193 

I 

Commonwealtli, to cede or relinquish, by anthentick conveyance or 
conveyances, to the United States, to be disposed of for the common 
benefit of the same, agreeable to a Resolve of Congress of October the 
tenth, one thousand seven hundred and eight}-, such part of that tract 
of land belonging to this Commonwealth which lies between the 
rivers Hudson and Mississippi, as they may think proper; and to 
make the said cession in such manner and on such conditions as shall 
appear to them to be most suitable." 

April 18, 1785, Congress accepted the cession and the following 
day the deed was executed by two Delegates in which they "' assign, 
transfer, quitclaim, cede and convey to the United States of America, 
for tlieir benefit, Massachusetts inclusive, all right, title and estate of 
and in as well the soil as the jurisdiction, which the said common- 
wealth hath to the territory or tract of country within tlie limits of 
the Massachusetts charter, situate and lying we?t of the following 
line : That is to say, a meridian line " [as in the Deed of Cession 
executed by the New York Delegates, 1 March, 17S1.] 

Thus the History of the statute establishment of the "Meridian 
Boundary" between New York and Pennsylvania is complete. 

The consideration of the subject of the cession of the vacant west- 
ern lands by the remaining States still continued. North Carolina 
had passed an act ceding all her territory west of the Allegany Moun- 
tains, and had afterward rejiealed it, as " the States of JIassac/iv setts 
and Connecticut, after accepting the Cession of New York and P\>- 
glnia, have since ])ut in Claims for the whole or a large Part of that 
Territory, and all the above expected Measures for constituting a 
substantial common Fund, have been either frustrated or delaved," 

The Connecticut act of Cession was considered, and a resolution 
was adopted agreeing to accept of a cession of her lands west of a 
line 120 miles west from the western line of Pennsylvania, in accord- 
ance with which a new act of cession was passed by her Legislature, 
which was accepted 14 September, 1786, although George Washing- 
ton thought the compromise allowing her to retain the " Westei-n 
Reserve" a disadvantageous one for the Union (See II and III, Ap- 
pendix L). 

The South Carolina Legislature passed an act of cession of a por- 
tion of her Western Lands, 8 March, 1787, which was accepted by 
Congress. 

Georgia had also passed an act which, on account of the terms 
proposed, was not accepted. And not until 1802 were the final arti- 
cles of agreement and Cession concluded with that State. 

Nortli Carolina, in 1789, adopted anew law authorizing her Dele- 
gates to convey to the L^nited States her lands west of a certain 
Boundary, which was accepted by Congress in 1790. 

Connecticut in 1800, at the reqnest of Congress renounced her 
right and title to all lands claimed by her west of the east line of 
New York except the " Western Reserve," the jurisdictional claim to 
which only was renounced. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.J 25 



194 [Senate 

Meanwhile the Parallel Boundary between New York and Penn- 
sylvania had been established upon the ground by joint action of the 
two States. This was six years after the Deed of Cession was exe- 
cuted by the New York Delegates. It was necessary for the United 
States to know the Eastern limit of the ceded lands. She had con- 
tracted to sell the Tract to Pennsylvania, and it was requisite to 
know its area and its boundaries. It was estimated that tlie line of 
cession would mtersect the new State Boundary somewhere near the 
Conewango River, over thirty miles East of the actual point of inter- 
section. Even Andrew Porter, one of the Commissioners who sur- 
veyed the Boundary in 1787, had tiiis idea of the geography of the 
region. An explanation of this erroneous idea is found in the fact 
that the initial point of this line, the western end of Lake Ontario, 
where it was fixed upon, was entirely within the enemy's country, 
which swarmed with hostile savages. 

No one, from any of the maps of that date, or from any idea 
formed by traversing an almost unbroken wilderness, could possibly 
make any definite estimate as to where a meridian line from tliis 
point would intersect the south shore of Lake Erie. 

On the sixth day of June, 1788, Congress upon the report of a 
Committee adopted the following : 

'"''Resolved, That the geogra])her of the United States be, and he 
is hereby directed to ascertain by himself or by a deputy duly 
appointed for the purpose, the boundary line between the United 
States and the states of '^qw York and Massachusetts, agreeably to 
the deeds of cession of the said states. 

" Tiiat the said geographer inform the executives of the states of 
New- York and Massachusetts of the time of running the said line, in 
order that they or either of them may, if they think proper, have 
persons attending at the time. 

" That the said geographer or his deputy, having run the meridian 
between Lake Erie and the state of Pennsylvania, and marked and 
noted down in his field-book, proper landmarks for perpetuating the 
same, shall proceed to make a survey of the land laying west of the 
said line, between lake Erie and the state of Pennsylvania, so as to 
ascertain the quantity thereof."* 

Captain Thomas Ilutchins was the Greographer-General of the 
United States from 1781, until his death in 1759. He appointed as 
his deputy to run the line, Andrew Ellicottf who had been one of the 

*Penii. ArcU., xi. 383. 

f Maj. Andrew Ellicott was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 24 January, 
1754. He was the eldest son of Joseph Ellicott, a man noted for his mechanical 
skill and mathematical knowledge, which were inherited by his children. Andrew, 
at the age of fifteen, had been quite expert in the manufacture of mathematical 
instruments, la 1774 he married and removed with his father to Ellicott's Mills 
in Maryland, there they were engaged in making watches, clocks and astronomi- 
cal instruments. As Major, he commanded a battalion of Maryland Militia in the 
Revolution. Iiu 1784 he was a Commissioner on the part of Virginia in extending 
Mason and Dixon's line and running the Meridian Boundary between that State 
and Pennsylvania. Removing his family to Baltimore iu 1785, he was appointed 



No. n.] 195 

Commissioners in rnnninof the western line of Pennsylvania in 1785, 
and for tlie surve_y of the Parallel Boundary between New York and 
Pennsylvania in 17S6-7. Mi-. Ellicott, npon accepting the appoint- 
ment, addressed President Mifflin of Pennsylvania, 19 December, 
1788, as follows: 

" Sir, Being appointed to run the Line between the western 
boundary of the iState of N. 1: ork, and the late purchase made bj 
this State (of Congress) of a Tract of Country lying on the South side 
of Lake Erie, I shal just mention some difficulties which will 23rol:)a- 
bly attend the execution of this business, — and first^ because the 
Point which limits the State of N. York to the Westward^ agreeably 
to the cession made by that State, and the State of Massachusetts to 
Congress in the year [1781], lies within the British Settlements on 
the West end of Lake Ontario, it will therefore be necessary to ob- 
tain leave from the Commandant at Niagara, or the Governor of 
Canada to go within the British lines to commence the business. As 
this will be a matter of science only, and cannot possibly interfere 
with either their Jurisdiction or Property, we may reasonably expect 
that a proper representation made by Authority will be attended with 
success. The second difficulty will be the Indians, but as they are 
particularly attached to, and influenced by Cols. Butler and Brandt, 
I would beg leave to suggest the Idea of obtaining their interest by 
some means or other."* 

Ylce-President Ross of the Executive Council 23 January, 1789, 
called the attention of the Delegates in Congress to the matter thus : 

'•Gentlemen, Andrew Ellicott Esquire who is appointed by the 
Geographer General of the United States to run the line between the 
Western boundary of the State of New York and the late purcliase 
made by this State of Congress of a Tract of Land lying on the south 
of Lake Erie, has applied to the Executive Council of this State, 
stating some difficulties which he apprehends may probably attend 
the execution of that Business. 

Commissioner with Ritteuhouse and Porter, by the (Governor of Pennsylvania, to 
locate tlie remainder of the Western Boundary of tliat State, and in 17S(i-7,vvas a 
Commissioner on the Nortliern Boundary of Pennsylvania. Major Ellicott rep- 
resented Baltimore in the Leg;islature. In 1789 he moved to Philadelphia, and 
in that year he was appointed by President Washington to run the Cession Line, 
now the Meridian Boundary of New York, and survey the Erie Triangle. On 
llie death of Captain Tiiomas Hutcliins he was appointed Geograplier of the United 
States. After completing tlie survey of the Erie Triangle he was engaged upon 
the survey of the District of Columbia, and in laying out the City of Washing- 
ton. Assisted by his brother Benjamin, and Augustus Porter, he ran the New 
Pre-emption Line north from Milestone 83 in New York in 1794. xMay 4, 1796, he 
was appointed by President Washington, Commissioner to fix the Boundary of 
the United States and the Spanish Possessions. He was absent npon this expedi- 
tion four years, and published a journal of his experiences and observations upon 
it in 1803. Appointed Surveyor-General of the United States in 1801, he was at 
the same time until 1808, Secretary of the Land Office of Pennsj-lvania. He was 
commissioned to run the North Boundary of (Jeorgia in 1811-2. And was 
appointed Professor of Mathematics at the West Point .Academy, 1 September, 
1813, and continued as such until his death, 28 August, 1820. He had four sons 
and six daughters. 

* Penn. Arch., xi, 429. 



196 [Senate 

" Conneil have thought it expedient previous to their taking any 
measures to expedite the completion of tliis work, to write to the 
delegates to know wliat steps or if any have been tal^en by Congress 
to obtain leave from tlie Governor of Canada or the Commandant 
at for the Geographer General or any person under his appoint- 
ment to go within the British settlements or lines to make the ne- 
cessary observations to enable him to begin and carry into execution 
the laying off the Tract of Country aforesaid."* 

The delegates replied in a note dated February 2, as follows : 

"ISir, We have been honoured with a communication from the 
Executive Council of the 23"^ Ultimo. 

" The same Ideas were suggested by the Geographer last summer, 
but no measures were adopted by Congress to facilitate the comple- 
tion of that survey." f 

Tench Coxe w^rote 1 February to President Mifflin upon the same 
subject, " As there is not yet a Congress, and there is not a certainty 
of seven states, I would submit the propriety of applying to the 
Secy, for foreign affairs to write to the Governor of Canada, for 
permission to enter the British country to make the necessary astro- 
nomical observations, & for information whether Mr. Ellicott can 
have the necessary supplies of provisions, boats, &g., from the Brit- 
ish posts. Mr. Gorman [Goi-ham] of Massachusetts, who is among 
the purchasers of the cession of property by New York, to that 
State, is of opinion that difficulties might arise if our Geographers 
name (Capt. Hutchins and Jonson) should appear, as he is consid- 
ered by them in the light of an officer leaving their service in time 
of war.:}; . . I find amono^ the papers of Congress an ap- 

plication from Capt. Hutchins to them in June last, to take up this 
Business, which would have been done in a few days, but when our 
delegates were prepared, there ceased to be a quorum of States. The 
delay of this matter till the next Government meets, will throw it 
into the great Mass of objects that will go before them. I therefore 
think it very proper that we apply to Mr. Jay, if council approve 
the step without the least delay." § 

A question of finance was next to be settled. Ellicott presented 
a petition to Congress asking that money should be "advanced to 
defray his expenses, and to enable him to execute an act of the late 
Congress for determining the western Boundary of the State of 
New York." The matter was referred to a Committee. The Cora- 
raittco reported and the House proceeded to consider the report, 
which was adopted after being amended to read " That the survey 
directed by Congress in their act of June 6*'°, 1788, be made and 
returned to the Secretary of the Treasury, without delay ; and that 

* Penn. Arch., xi, 537. f Idem, xi, 543. 

^ Capt. H. was in Loudon at the commencement of the Revolution, and in 1779 
was suspected of holding correspondence with Franklin, then in France, for which 
he was imprisoned six weeks. See Allen's American Biog. Diet., article TJiomas 
Hutchins. 

§ Penn. Arch., xi, 543. 



No. 71.] 197 

the President of the United States be requested to appoint a fit 
person to complete the same, who siiali be allowed five dollars per 
day, whilst actually employed in the said service, with the expenses 
necessarily attending the executiou thereof." This was concurred 
in by the Senate, 

Secretary John Jay announced to Gov. Clinton of New York 
this action of Congress, 4 September, 1789. 

"Sir. — Iti pursuance of the orders of the President of the IJiiited 
States, I have the Honor of transmitting to your Excellency here- 
with enclosed, a Copy of an Act of Congress of the 6th June, 
1788, and of a concurrent Resolution of the Senate and House of 
Representatives (passed by the latter on the 10"', and concurred in 
by the former on the 10"' August last.) In pursuance of a Request 
contained in this Resolution, the President has been pleased to ap- 
point Andrew Ellicott to compleat the Survey therein mentioned, 
who will begin that work on the 10'''' Day of October next ; and I 
am directed to give your Excellency this information, in Order that 
the State of New York may if they think proper, have Persons at- 
tending at the time." * 

Mr. Ellicott addressed the Executive Council 11 September thus: 
" In executing the Survey to be made on Lake Erie, I shall stand in 
need of two Surveying instruments, and a small Quadrant, the prop- 
erty of this Commonwealth : If they should not be otherwise en- 
gaged, I shall esteem it a particular favour to have the loan of them, 
on the above occasion." And the Council "^ liesolved^ That the re- 
quest of Mr. Ellicott be complied with, and that David Rittenhouse, 
Esquire, be directed to furnish him with the said instruments, taking 
a receipt to return them when required." 

In another letter dated 22 September, Mr. ElHcott says to Presi- 
dent Mifflin, "As the State of Pennsylvaniii by its pui-chase of the 
United States of a Tract of Country lying on the South side of Lake 
Erie, has become interested in the Execution of the survey, so far 
as it relates to the Quantity of Land, I would therefore just suggest 
tiie Idea of some person being autliorized to attend on behalf of the 
State. — I shall leave this City about the last of this week, and pro- 
ceed to Niagara in order to execute my commission on behalf of the 
United States." f And again to the Executive Council 3 June 1790, 
"In order to satisfy the Indians, and insure safety to myself, and 
party, in the execution of the resolve of Congress of June 6tli, 1788, 
I think it will be necessary to have a copy of the Deed given by the 
Senecas, to Messrs. Butler, and Gibson, Commissioners on behalf of 
the State of Pennsylvania, for certain land lying on the South side 
of Lake Erie, and we-t of the Conawango River, and the Carrying 
place between Lake Chaughtaughque,:|: and Lake Erie." 

This deed was that executed by Cornplanter and twenty -three 
other chiefs of the Six Nations, conveying to Pennsylvania the land 
ceded by New York and Massachusetts to the United States. 

* We find no record of such, an appoiatment. Cliatou Papers (MSS.), N'' 6044. 

■j-Penn. Arch., xi, 615. 

j "Ja-da-qua," Place of easy death. Ja-dax-que on some old maps. 



198 [Senate 

The history of the purchase of the " Erie Triangle," as the ter- 
ritory ceded by New York to the United States is popularly desig- 
nated, is further discussed in Appendix M. 

Okiginal Surveys. < 

As for the actual business ol the survey we have hardly any record. 
In fact no record at all has been found, not even a diary or a report, 
of Andrew Ellicott's work upon this Boundary, or uj)on the Survey 
of the " Erie Triangle." 

The Assistant Secretary of the Board of Regents, the late Dr. D. 
J. Pratt, in 1866, endeavored by extensive correspondence with the 
Departments in Washington, and with relatives and descendants of 
Mr. Ellicott, to find the missing documents, but without success. 
The correspondence may be found in Regents' Report on Boundaries, 
i, 316-329."" Aside from an official letter to President Washington, 
we have very little that is authentic relating to the Survey. 

He was accompanied by his brothers, Joseph and Benjamin, as 
his Assistants, and by Gen. Israel Chapin, and Frederick Saxton, 
who went with him on behalf of Phelps and Gorham, who had pur- 
chased the IVEassachusetts Pre-emption in Western New York. The 
initial point of the survey was the western *' bent" of Lake Ontario, 
a point nearly forty miles within the British Dominions, and it was 
necessary that the Surveyors should proceed to this place, for the 
starting point of their Survey. Ellicott, as we have seen, had applied 
to the proper authorities to obtain permission to invade the British 
Territory for this purpose. The party arrived at Fort Niagara be- 
fore the required permission had reached them. His letter to Presi- 
dent Washington written from Philadelphia 15 Jan., 1790, tells the 
whole story : 

" Sib, I arrived in this City the day before yesterday, after a long 
and tedious journey from Fort Erie, and have the satisfaction to in- 
form your Excellency that so much of the Survey on which I was 
employed, that fell within the Territory of his Britanick Majesty is 
compleated. I find the Geography of the Country about the Lakes 
very erroneous, too much so to be even a tolerable guide. The south 
side of Lake Erie is laid down half a degree too far to the South, in 
the American Atlas pubhshed in 1776 ; and said to be corrected by 
Maj"^ Holland, De Brahm, and others. The same Lake is by Hutch- 
ins, and McMurry, placed 20 miles too far north ; similar errors attend 

all that country thro' which I passed A corrected 

Chart of the west end of Lake Ontario, the Strait of Niagara, and 
part of Lake Erie comprehending the whole British settlement of 
Nassau shall be handed to vour Excellency as soon as I come to New- 
York. 

* Judge William Peacock, wlio was well acquainted with Major Ellicott, was 
of the opinion that the report was made to the Secretary of State at Washina:ton, 
and was probably lost or destroyed when the British burned the public buildings 
in 1814. 



No. 71.] 199 

" From certain data^ whicli cannot be materially defective, the Sale 
of Lands made by the United States to the State of Pennsylvania 
will not neat less than thirteen thousand pounds specie to the Union, 
rating Certificates at f to the pound. 

" On my arrival at ' the Garrison of Niagara on the 21^*^ day of 
October last, I was introduced by the Officer of the day, in company 
with Gen. Chapen of Massachusetts, and Mr. Joseph Ellicott of I>al- 
timore, to the Commandant Lieu'. Col. Harriss. After the introduction 
I produced my Commission, which the Col. looked over; and then 
addressed himself to me in the following words. — ' Pray Sir what 
request have you to make from this paper?' (meaning the Commis- 
sion.) To which I repKed, ' In order to execute the duties of my 
appointment it will be necessary to go into the Territory of liis Bri- 
tanick Majesty ; but as you may not be authorized to grant such 
permission, an express has been sent on by our Secretary of foreign 
aifairs to his Excellency Lord Dorchester Governor of Canada to ob- 
tain this privilege ; and if the express has not yet arrived, my present 
request is only that myself and party may have the liberty of staying 
in the Country, with such privileges as are allowed to other gentle- 
men from the LTnited States, and wait his arrival.' To which the 
Col. replied ' You cannot have permission to stay in this Country. 
You must leave it Sir.' 1 then informed him that our going away so 
precipitately must be attended with inconveniency to ourselves, and 
the present expence of the United States, sacrificed to no purpose ; 
and as I was confident that the express would arrive with the first 
Vessel, and from a desire to have the business executed with all pos- 
sible dispatch, I should not be very punctilious about the privileges ; 
but would willingly be confined to one single Acre of Ground, or 
any other space, and under any restrictions which he himself should 
prescribe : to which he replied, ' Y our request cannot be granted Sir, 
you must leave this Country and that with expedition.' I then in- 
formed him, that myself, and companions were much fatigued 
with a long and painful journey, and our Horses broken down with 
hai'd duty and the want of food ; and that our return home 
might be marked with some degree of certainty, I requested the 
privilege of continuing some few days in the country to refresh our- 
selves and recruit our horees. To which he returned ' I cannot be 
answei-able for your situation. You are not to continue in this 
country, and if you stay anywhere in it, I shall hear of you, and 
will take measdres accordingly.' I then observed to him that I had 
some Gentlemen in my party, who were very desirous to view the 
falls of Niagara, and as this was the only probable opportunity 
which would ever fall in their way, I requested that their curiosity 
might be gratified ; particularly as the falls Mere not near any of 
their posts. To which he answered, ' Your Gentlemen cannot be 
gratified, they cannot see the falls, too many people have seen the 
falls already.' I then began to make some observations on the com- 
mon usage of all civilized Nations with regard to matters of Science, 



200 [Senate 

and natural curiosities ; but was soon interrupteJ by the Col. who 
desired that I ' would not multiply words on that subject,' that he 
' was decisive and we must depart.' He then addressed liimself to 
Col. Butler of the R.uigers, (who was present), as follows. Col. it is 
our Lunchio7i time, will you go and take 'a cut with us.' Thea 
turning to nie he said ' You may retire to the Tavern in the Bottom, 
and purchase such refreshment as you may want ; in the meantime 
(pointing to my Commission which hiy on the Table) 'I will take a 
copy of that paper, after which the Adjutant shall return you the 
original.' We were then attended by the Officer of the day to the 
Tavern. — After some consideration I thought it best to malvo one 
other request to the Commandant which was, that myself, and party 
might have permission to go to the Indian Settlement on Buffalo 
Creek, which is 30 miles from the Garrison, and in the Territory of 
the United States, and there wait the arrival of the express. This 
request was handed to Col. Harriss by my companion Gen, Chapen; 
but shared the same late with the others. — Some time after dark the 
Adjutant waited upon us with the enclosed pass, M'ithout which we 
could neither get out of the Garrison nor pass the Indian Settle- 
ments in our own country. — From the tenor of the pass it appears 
that the Military jurisdiction of the British Garrison at Niagara is 
extended to the Jenesseo River ; but this in my opinion is more fully 
confirmed by their general conduct in that quarter. After leaving 
the garrison, we had five miles to ride to join our party, on our ar- 
rival, we gave immediate orders to have our Baggage prepared, and 
every measure taken for an early movement the next morning ; but 
before we had time to leave the ground, a Lieut. Clarke waited upon 
us and renewed the orders of the Col., and added 'that the Com- 
mandant desired that our departure might be attended with expedi- 
tion.' — We left the gronnd about 9 o'clock in the morning and pro- 
ceeded to the Jenesseo Iliver a distance of near 100 miles, where we 
received Lord Dorchester's permission to execute anj^ part of our 
business, which might fall in the Territory of his Britanick Majesty 
by an express sent by Cap'. Guion, who had in the meantime arrived 
at Ningara from Quebec. — Although our Horses were unable to re- 
turn, I was nevertheless determined to go on with the business. — We 
then employed Canoes to carry our Instruments and Baggage down 
the Jenesseo River to the carrying-place, where we procured a 
Boat and returned up Lake Ontario to Niagara. — On our return, we 
were treated with politeness, and attention. We entered innnedi- 
ately upon the execution of our business, Avhich was attended with 
uncommon difficulty and hardship. — No Horses were to be had in 
that Country at any price, we were therefore under the necessity of 
employing a greater number of men than would otherwise have 
been wanted which has added considerably to the expence." 

The gallant Briton who so valiantly defended the Canadas from 
this irruption of scientific marauders graciously furnished theni with 
the following pass when he so summarily sent them away from the 
Fort. 



No. 71.] 201 

" By John Adolphus Plarris Esquire, Lieut Colonel of the 1^* 
Battallion, GO"^ Regiment, Commanding Isiagara &e &c 

" Permit the Bearers Andrew Ellicott, Joseph Ellicott, Benjamin 
Ellicott, Jonathan Browns, Isaac Bornet, John Sullivan, Israel 
Chapen and Frederick Seaton [Saxton] to pass from hence without 
delay and by the nearest Route to the Genecies. 
" To all Concerned 

Given under my hand & Seal at Niagara this Twenty-first 
day of October, 1 789, — 

" Jn° Al)0LP^ Harris (Seal) 

Lieut : Col". Com'"'' Upper Posts:' 

From such meager information as is available, it is probable that 
Mr. Ellicott after getting the longitude of the starting point, made 
a survey east to the Niagara River, traversed that river and the 
south shore of Lake Erie until he found himself, by computation 
from his measurements, in the meridian of the starting point. 

Gen. Charles B. Stuart, in his biographical sketch of Ellicott, 
says : j 

" It was Avhile making the traverse of the Canadian side of the 
Niagara River in 179U, that Andrew, Joseph and Benjamin Ellicott 
first saw the Falls of Niagara; and that Joseph and Benjamin, as 
the Assistants of Andrew Ellicott, made the first actual measure- 
ment of the entire length of Niagara River, the respective falls of 
the river from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, the height of the Great 
Falls, and the descent of the Rapids. Andrew Ellicott, in making 
his report of the survey of the boundary line, makes mention of 
these measurements of the river, which have ever since been the 
acknowledged authorities in all books giving an account of Niagara 
Falls." 

Having verified his position upon the South shore of Lake Erie, 
he run the line south in the Meridian. 

Of the character of the instruments used we can only infer from 
his letter to the Executive Council, 11 September, 1789. Except, 
in his letter to Robert Patterson, 2 April, 1795, in describing the 
methods used in laying out the District of Columbia, he says, 

'' These lines were traced with a transit and equal 

altitude instrument which I constructed and executed in 1789, and 
used in running the Western Boundary of New York." "^ This 
instrument he used in rimning the principal avenues in the city of 
Washington ; and in fixing the Boundary between the United 
States and tiie Spanish Possessions (Florida) in 1 790-9. f 

How much time was required to run the Meridian Boundary is 
unknown. In his letter to President Washington, quoted above, 
writing from Philadelphia, he had completed so much of the Survey 
as "fell within the Territory of his Britanick Majesty." He had 

* Amer. Phil. Soc. Trans, (l^ Series), iv, 49. 
f Ellicott's Journal (App.), p. 45. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 26 J 



202 [Senate 

still the traverse of the East and South shore of Lake Erie to make 
before he should reach his starting point. By a private letter writ- 
ten from Presq' Isle (Erie), 11 October, 1790, he states that he 
"yesterday completed the survey of the territory annexed to the 
State of Pennsylvania, after mnch difficulty and hardship. The 
land contained in this survey is generally good, and from its peculiar 
situation an important object to the State, 

" The Indians did not appear to be well disposed towards the 
execution of our business, but after a treaty, and receiving some 
small presents, accompanied with rum and tobacco, permitted us to 
go on." 

The expen.se of the survey, including the preliminary Vv'ork in 
Canada, the survey along tlie Niagara Ilivcr and Lake Erie, run- 
ning the Meridian and surveying and estimating the " Erie Trian- 
gle," is shown in the following abstract from Receipts and Expendi- 
tures of the United States, 1791 : 

" Payments made for executing the surveys directed hy Congress 
in their act of June 6, 1788, and a concurrent resolution passed 
the 26"' day (f August, 1759. 

Dols. Cts. 

1790. March 30. To Andrew Ellicott, surveyor —Warrant No. 267. . 1234.78 
Aug. 18. To Josiah Howell, junior, agent for Andrew Elli- 
cott, surveyor — Warrant No. 616. ... 1200. 

Dec. 2. To Andrew Ellicott, surveyor — Warrant No. 760.. 200. 

1791. Jaa. 8. To Andrew Ellicott, surveyor— Warrant No. 820. . 663. 
Feb. 17. To Caleb Strong, agent for Israel Cliapin, for sun- 
dry expenses incurred by the said I. CJhapin un- 
der Andrew Ellicott —Warrant No. 903 34.33 

Ap7-il 23. To Andrew Ellicott, surveyor — Warrant No. 1033. 718.75 

$4049.85" 

Original Monuments. 

A map of the line is among the papers of the Holland Land Com- 
pany, probably a copy of the original official map. Upon this the 
south end of the Boundary is about two-tenths of a mile east of 
Milestone 225 of the Parallel Boundary.* The entire length of the 
Line was 18.66 miles (985-'5 feet). At tlie shore of Lake Erie and at 
the intersection with the Parallel Boundary stones were placed; also 
at the 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18 mile-points. The re- 
maining mile-points were marked Ijy M'ooden posts, live or six inches 
square. 

In 1796 Deputy Surveyor Samuel .Nicholson subdivided the " Erie 
Triangle" into Warrants, with the exception of a snal] portion in 
the soutii-east corner, which was held by the Donation Warrantees. 
No notes of his surveys are known to be in existence, except such as 
may be contained in his meager returns to the Land Office. His map 

* Deputy Surveyor Cochran of Erie County, Penn., in his survey of the inter- 
ference of' the Donation Lands made it fifty perches (835 feet) East of the ' 235 M. 
tree.' 



No. Tl.] 



203 



of the " Triangle" is in the Land Office at Harrisburg. Upon this, 
Milestone 225 is marked as the south-east corner of the tract. As 
he did not survey the south-east coi'ner warrant, he probably had no 
positive knowledge of the actual corner. A more recent survey of the 
South East Warrant mentions a "Stone S. W. Corner N. Y. State." 
None of the monuments upon the meridian, except that at the Lake 
shore, are mentioned upon his map, or in his returns of Surveys. 

This line was re-surveyed for the Holland Land Company under 
thodirsction of Joseph Ellicott, by James Smedley, in July, 1798. 
In his notes he describes the '' Corner" as marked by a Sngar Maple 
Post in a heaj) of stones. Deputy Surveyor Cochran makes no men- 
tion of a Monument at this point. Smedley ran north upon the Line, 
setting mile and half-mile posts along it, witnessing each with two 
" bounded trees," until he reached the Lake shore, where he set a post 
39 links north of the monument set by Ellicott in 1790. He makes 
no note of any intermediate milestones or posts set by Ellicott.* 
Seth Pease, another Holland Land Company Surveyor, started from 
this post 28 Jnly, 1798, and made a traverse of the Lake shore. He 
speaks of the monument as broken in pieces, A part of the base 
which remained in the ground until within ten years mnst at that 
time have contained parts of the inscriptions, which are given by 
Pease, "August 23'^ 1790, Latitude 42-- 10- 13" Yariation 0« 25' 
West."f The inscriptions upon this monument as preserved in the 
Pennsylvania Archives, (xi) seem to have been as follows : 



[On the west side :] 

" TERRITORY 

ANNEXED TO THE STATE 

OF PENNSYLVANIA, 

NORTH 

LATITUDE 42^ 16' 13" 

VARIATION 25 

"WEST." 



[Ou tlie east side :] 
" MERIDIAN 
OF THE WEST END OF 
LAKK ONTARIO 
STATE OF NEW YORK 
18 MILES AND 
52.5 CHAINS FROM 
THE NORTH BOUNDARY 
OF PENNSYLVANIA 
AUGUST 23'^ 

1790." 

Judge Peacock in his survey of the McMahon Tract in the North 
West Corner of Ilipley in October, 1801, describes it thus : " Stone 
standing on the Bank of Lake Erie in the Pennsylvania line it is 
Broken into Pieces, which I Cannot Describe the Letters." 

The total length of the line as measured by James Smedley, was 
18 miles 50 chains 91 links (98400 feet), to a point 39 links north 
of the Initial Monument. 

The two intermediate Township Corners on this line were fixed 
in July 1798, by Warehani Shepard, who laid out the Townships in 
Range 15 of the Holland Land Company's Purchase^ 



* See XIX, Appendix H. 
Office, Albany, N. Y. 
f See III, Appendix H. 



Also Small H. L. Co., Field Book No. 37, Secretary's 



204 [Senate 

The Surveyors who subdivided the Townships adjoining this hne 
into Sections, make no mention ol any of the original milestones or 
posts. They made the total length of the line 98313 feet. 

Hon. O. D. Hinckley in his reconnaissance of the outline of Chau- 
tauqua county under the direction of the Board of Su])ervisors, at 
the request of the Board of Regents, in 1870, retraced this line from 
south as far as Milestone 3, and identified quite a number of the 
witness trees of the Holland Land Company's Surveys. He found 
Milestone 17 lying upon the surface of tiie ground ; also a fragment 
of Milestone 7. Milestones 3 and 0, were in place, the latter broken 
in several pieces. He also found what was probably the remnant of 
the Ninth mile-post in an old sod-grown mound of small cobble 
stones,* upon the flats near a tributary of the north branch of French 
Creek. He also found the remnant of the square post set at Ave 
miles which had been known for many years.f At the twelve mile- 
point he found an unmarked stone standing crosswise of the line 
"Tradition says, set by Ellicott." Tlie map shows that a post was 
set at this point, not a stone. ^Nothing more was found except the 
stake surrounded by stones buried in the road at the " Corner." He 
did not carry his reconnaissance north of Milestone 3. Dr. Peters 
in 1865, when he observed for the Latitude and Longitude of the 
Initial Monument, referred to its condition, as quoted in the opening 
paragraphs of this Report. 

Judge William Peacock, who for many years, early in the Century, 
had charge of the afi'airs of the Holland Land Company in Chautau- 
qua County, asserted that this monument was broken down by the 
Lidians, who in that region were unfriendly to the Yankees ; and 
that other Boundaiy Monuments were destroyed by them. 

The Reconnaissance of 1878. 

Upon reaching the "Corner "with the reconnaissance of the 
Parallel Boundary, 11 October, 1878, the party were transferred to 
this Line, and the work was pushed rapidly northward upon an 
initial random transit line started parallel with the meridian of the 
"Corner," as deduced from angles measured from the Meridian of 
"Station Clark," 5,480 feet East. The Lake Shore was reached 
20 October, and the i)arty was disbanded for the season. 

A number of the Holland Land Company's points identified by 
Mr. Hinckley were found. Milestone 17 was found as he had found 
it, lying upon the ground with no evidence to show where it had 
stood. Tlie unmarked stone at the l2-mile point was al,30 found 

*Mr. Hinckley ia liis notes says, " At 48.75 struck cherry stake in stone heap 
(Ellicott's Survey). Root of Post now in the ground (top rotted off above ground) 
but found in good condition. The stake has been known to be there for fifty years. 
Ellicott's Map sliows a cherry stake at this point. No doubt of its origin." 

f Mr. Hinckley says, " At 47.50 found remnant of Chest. Post on line (Ellicott's 
5 mile Post) bottom rotted but top sound and standing where first set. Has been 
known 45 or 50 years. Stood there when the land was cleared. No doubt of its 
origin." 



No. Yl.] 205 

and inspected. Tlie present owner of the land adiacent states that 
the stone was set to replace the orit-^inal post, which had become 
badly decayed, and which had been known and recognized as anthen- 
tic from the time the land was originally cleared. The heap of 
cobble stones, matted with sod, with a hole in the center, at the 9- 
mile point was also found and appeared, from its position, to be the 
original mound ])iled about the post of 1790. JJiothing was dis- 
covered of the fragments of Milestone 7. The remains of Mile- 
stone G were found in place. At the 5-mile point the upper part of 
a squared chestnut post, six inches square, M'eather-beaten, with the 
lower part rotted away, M^as found standing where the evidences 
showed a stake had been set and mouldered away. This was said 
by the gentlemen who owned the land on the east side of the line, 
and who cleared it up over 40 or 50 years ago, to sta,nd where it 
stood then, and there is no doubt that this is part of the original 
post. This remnant was sent to the State Library at Albany. A 
stone was found near the 4-mile point M'hich is probably the re- 
mains of the original milestone, although it had no marks upon it 
by which it might be identified. Milestone 3 was found in place, 
although evidently disturbed by frost. It was a stone over seven 
feet long and about 8 inches square, very cai'efully marked, standing 
upright, but i^y comparison with the illustration in Dr. Peters' re- 
port of IbGT), it must have been raised at least a foot by frost or 
some other influence since he examined it. Nothing was found of 
the original initial monument upon the bluff at the Lake, except 
the hole where it had until very recently stood, on the edge of the 
bluff, the monment having dropped out, leaving the sod, and the 
stones that were embedded beside it, in plar^e. The monument itself 
was either buried in the debris at the foot of the bluff, or had been 
carried away. 

The length of the line as measured upon the reconnaissance was 
98,448 feet. This is the actual chained distance without correction 
for error in leno;tli of chain, which would add about 75 feet.'" 

New Initial Monument of 1869. 

Upon the report and recommendation of the Board of Regents, the 
Legislature, 11 April, 1860, passed the following Joint Resolution : 

" Resolved^ That in conformity with the recommendation of the 
Regents of the University in their repoi!" on the longitude of the 
western boundary of the State, submitted to the Legislature at the 
present session, that the said Regents be authorized to make such 
arrangements as may be found desirable, with the authority of Penn- 
sylvania, for renewing and replacing the monument near Lake Erie, 
on the said western boundary line.'' 

" The preliminary correspondence with the Governor and the Leg- 

* From a careful remeaaurement of about If miles of the north end of the 
Meridian in 1885, the aggregate error in chaining in 1878 was estimated at 85 
feet. 



2a6 [Senate 

islatnre of Pennsylvania on this subject, will be found in the Penn. 
Legislative Documents for 1867, vol. ''^,'pp- 945-94:8, and tlie Penn. 
Senate Journal for March 28, 1867, ^j^a 812, 813. An appropria- 
tion of ' two hundred dollars, or so much thereof as maybe necessary,' 
to the surveyor general for erecting a more durable monument, 
further inland was made by the Laivs of Penn. for 1867, No. ], 
Section 75. On conferring with the Surveyor General of Penn., it 
was agreed that the Regents should take measures to procure tlie 
monument, and a contract was executed on the first day of May, 1869, 
with Messrs. Williams, S[)elman & Co., of Albany, to furnish a 
block of Quincy granite, eight feet long, two feet wide and eight 
inches thick, properly dressed and inscribed, and to erect it at the 
point on the Western boundary line to be designated, for the sum of 
four hundred dollars ; which contract was duly executed." 

Chancellor Pruyn received the following notification from the 
Surveyor-GeneraFs office in Ilarrisburg, dated 13 September, 1869 : 

"Sir. — 1 am instructed by Genl. J. M. Campbell, Surveyor Gen- 
eral of Penn\ to say that if he is unal^le to meet you at State Line 
Station on the 15'^ inst., the bearer William Evans, Esquire, a Sur- 
veyor of this Office will represent him in relation to the erection of 
the monument on the State Line near the shore of Lake Erie. M"". 
Evans takes with him the amount of money appropriated by the 
75"' Section of the Act of 11"' April, 1867 of Penn^ towards defray- 
ing the expences of procuring & erecting the monument referred to, 
(two hundred dollars) which he is instructed to pay over to you or 
other authorized party representing the State of Kew York. I have 
the honor to be, Sir, Yery respectfullv. Your obedient servant 

"POBT. A. McCOY." 

Upon 14 January, 1870, the Chancellor, from the select Committee 
on Boundaries, " stated that the initial monument on the shore of 
Lake Erie was replaced with a])])ropriate ceremonies, by the desig- 
nated authorities of this State and of the State of Pennsylvania on 
the 15*^'' September last, and submitted a copy of the memorandutn 
of proceedings had at that thiie, and which isin the words following, 
to wit : 

" ' State of New York : — State of Pennsylvania, 

" 'State Line, Septemher loth, 1869. 
" ' The undersigned, duly authorized for that purpose by their 
respective States, do hereby certify, that on the day above named, 
they attended at the monument placed on the margin of lake Erie, 
which marks the boundary line between the said States, and witnessed 
the erection of a new monument in place of the original monument 
now dilapidated, at a point distant four hundred and forty feet due 
south from the original monument ; which new monument is of 
Quincy granite, about two feet wide and about eight inches in thick- 
ness, and has on the east and west faces thereof a copy of the inscrip- 
tion on the corresponding faces of the original monument as stated 



No. 71.] 207 

in the archives of the two States, and on the north and sonth faces 
thereof the following inscriptions respeetivelj' : 

" [North face] " [Soutli face] 

' 1869. ' 18G9. 

LATITUDE OF THIS STONE Erected by the States of IS'ew 

42'= 15' 57" 9 York and Pennsylvania, 440 

LONGITUDE feet south of a monnment 

79" 45 54" 4 now dilapidated, on which 

VARIATION were the iusci'iptions on the 

2"^ 35' w.' east and west faces of this 

monnment.' 

" ' That the said new monnment was placed in all respects to our 
satisfaction, and at the joint expense of the said two States, as au- 
thorized by their respective Legislatures. 

" ' In witness whereof we have set our names to duplicate copies 
hereof at the State line aforesaid, on the day and year first above 
mentioned. 

" ' On the part of the State of Pennsylvania : 

WILLIAM EVANS, For J. M. CAMPBELL, 

Surveyor-General of Pennsylvania 

" ' On the part of the State of New York : 

JOHN Y. L. PRUYN, Chancellor of University. 
GEO. R. PERKINS, Com. of the Regents. 
S. B. WOOLA¥ORTH, Secretary of the Regents. 
GEO. W. PATTERSON.'"* 

This monument was found in 1878, about one foot out of line to 
the east, and leaning slightly i)i that direction. In 1884 it was found 
to lean about six inches from the perpendicular. The hight of this 
monument above the surface of the ground is fonr feet. 

Final Adjustment : Setting New Monuments. 

Upon the completion of the work upon the Parallel Boundary 
in September, 1884, a large terminal monument was set in the 
Meridian Boundary 100 feet Nortli of the "Corner." This monu- 
ment is similar to that set in April of that year upon the right bank 
of the Delaware River near the Initial Point. 

The party was then transferred t<3 the north end of the Meridian 
Boundary. The first three miles were carefully re-run and the 
monuments set. No attempt was made to rectify the position of 
the large monument set in 1869, at this time. 

A successful observ^ation was made for a mei-idian, and this Sec- 
tion of the Boundary was found to vary but slightly f tom it. 

Upon the 2r)th day of Septemlier the field-work upon the Bound- 
ary was suspended and the party disbanded. 

* Regents' Report 1871, pp. x, xi. 



208 [Senate 

Owing to legislative delays in the matter of appropriations, the 
field-work in 1885 was not resumed nntil late in June, when the 
party assembled at the north end of the Meridian. The first work 
done was to obtain a careful re-measurement of the distance from the 
approximate site of Dr. Peters' astronomical station of 1865 to the 
site of the original Initial Monument upon the Lake shore. (See 
note, end of Appendix D.) 

Tlie large granite monument set in 1869 was at the same time 
carefully re-adjnsted to the Line and re-set. 

The field-work suspended in 1884 was taken up at the 7-mile- 
point. An observation for a meridian, was made npon •' Polaris " 
at its Eastern elongation before one o'clock upon the morning 
of 30 June. 

The method adopted in this observation, was the same used upon 
the Boundary north of Milestone 3 in September previous. The 
transit, in the present instance, was stationed over a nail in a stake 
about 1160 feet south of the 7-mile-stake, and by two observations 
of the Star at its elongatior, one with telescope direct, and the other 
with telescope reversed, a point in the same vertical plane was fixed 
upon a stake 1492 feet north of the instrument. This observation 
was repeated about a month afterward with satisfactory results. In 
the forenoon of 30 June, an oifset, calculated from the azimuth of 
the Star, was measured west from the stake, and from the meridian 
thus fixed a random transit line was started in each direction across 
the wide valley. It was continued north to a point north of the 5- 
mile-stake, and transferred by ])arallel offsets to the west side of the 
line, and was run north to Milestone 3. In the other direction it 
was extended to the summit of the ridge south of the 8-mile-point, 
and after being transferied to the West side of the Boundary, was 
continued south to the " Corner." Frequent offsets were measured 
from these transit lines to the stakes of the reconnaiesance, and to 
points In the Boundary. 

IVIilestones 3 and 6, the stake at the 9-mile-point, and the stone at 
the 12-mile-point were found to be in a line, which varied but little 
(0.23 f. per mile, west of south) from a meridian. It M'as apparent 
from this survey that the north thirteen or fourteen miles of this 
portion of the Boundary were originally very carefully run. Between 
Milestones 13 and 14 is the original limit of the heavy hard-wood 
timber, into which it is quite evident that the original line must have 
been continued by the use of a compass, instead of a transit inde- 
pendent of the needle. None of the original milestones were to be 
found (except 17, which had been displaced), but a number of points 
fixed and witnessed within eight years after the original survey, by 
James Smedley, surveyor for the Holland Land Company, show that 
the south end of the Meridian wavered considerably ; and the " Cor- 
ner" was found about thirty feet west of the line of 3-6-9-12, 
produced. 

Upon a careful study of the line after the transit line had been run 
throughout, it was found impracticable to adjust the line upon a 




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No. 71.] 209 

meridian or upon a single strait line. The line 3-12 was therefore 
extended to the 14-mile-point, and a strait line drawn thence to the 
"Corner," making a deflection to the west, of between 4 and 5.* 
The unknown mile-points were fixed at equal distances, between 
Milestones 6 and IS, the latter being placed ^^\ mile north from the 
" Corner." This is the distance given upon the original map. This 
adjustment of the distances brought the 12-mile-point almost exactly 
at the stone marking that point. 

Placing the Monuments upon the lines thus fixed, was at once 
commenced, and before 1 August, thej were all, thirty-six in number, 
set. The 9, 10, 14, 15, and 16-mile-points were found unsuitable 
sites for monuments, three of them falHng in beds of brooks, and 
these milestones were therefcjre set a few feet, in line, in either direc- 
tion, the changes being noted in the Hecord (see Appendix B). These 
milestones being in places somewhat unsuitable for convenience of 
)-eference, and safety from possible disturbance from the elements, 
it was thought advisable to set intermediate Monuments at several of 
the Holland Land Company's mile and half-mile Points south of 
Milestone 14. 

The number of new Monuments set upon the Meridian Boundary, 
including the Monument of 1869, is as follows : 

Milestones 18 

Higliway Monuments 21 

Lake Shore Monument (small) . 1 

Initial Monument (1869) 1 

Large Terminal Monument (1884) 1 

Railroad Monuments 2 

Other Intermediate Monuments 7 

51 

Four of the Milestones upon the Meridian are highway monuments. 

The entire length of the Meridian Boundar}' is known to have 
been measured by direct chaining, four times : First, in the original 
survey of 1790 ; twice by the Surveyors of the Holland Land Com- 
pany : and upon the reconnaissance of 1878. The resulting distances 
of these monuments, together witli the length of the line deduced 
from various Latitude observations, are given in the following table : 

■ Feet. 

Andrew Ellicott, 1790 (18.66 miles). 98,525 

James Smedley (H. L. Co.) 1798, (less 39 links) 98 , 374 

Section surveys, H. L. Co., 1800 do 98,287 

Reconnaissance 1878 + chain correction 98,533 

Astronomical (Edwin Smith, U. S. C. & G. S., Lat. of " Corner" 1879)— 

(Dr. Peters, Lat. of Initial Monument)., 97,311 

do (Smith 1879) — (Dr. Peters, corrected by re-measurement 

from his station in 1885) 96,696 

do (Smith 1879)— (U. S. Lake Survey Lat.. New Initial Monu- 
ment + 440 feet) 97,969 

These distances give the extreme range of error 1 ,837 

* Sketch No. 15 exhibits on an exaggerated scale the adjusted Boundary south of 
14, as it relates to old stakes and fences. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 27 



APPENDICES TO SURYEYOR'S FIML EEPORT. 



A. Laws Relating to Re-suTvey of the Boundary. 
AA. Instructions to Messrs. Gere and Clarke. 

,B. Schedule cf Monuments, with description of Locations. 

C. Table of Angular Deflections. 

D. Astronomical Stations ; and Results of Observations. 

E. County and Town Corners. 

F. l^ames of Commissioners ; and Persons Connected with the 

Survey, 1877-1885. 

G. George Palmer's Papers and Surveys : 

I. Commission as Deputy Surve3^or. 
IL Survey of the Delaware River up to the Initial Point. 
III. " Journal up Delaware " in 1784, and notes of Sur- 
vey from the Delaware to the Susquehanna. 
lY. Drake and Delong's " Journal up Susquehanna and 
across to Delaware," June, 1784. 
V. Letter from Surveyor-General Lukens. 
VI. Extracts from Field-notes of "Warrant Surveys. 
H. Holland Land Company's Surveys : 

I. Description of the Marks upon Posts and Witness 
trees. 
IL Extracts from Augustus Porter's Field Book Ko. 2 
(Survey of the South end of Morris Reserve). 
III. Extract from Seth Pease's Traverse of the Shore of 
Lake Erie. 
IV-IX. Record of Surveys of South Line of Ranges 1 to 6. 
X. Record of Surveys of Soutli end of" Willink Strip." 
XI-XVIII. Record of Surveys of Soutli Line of Ranges 7 to 14. 
XIX, Record of surveys of South and West lines of Range 
15. 
J. Re-surveys of the Keating Lands in Pennsylvania. 
K. Representation of New York and Pennsylvania on Ancient 

Maps. 
L. Disputes with Massachusetts and Connecticut. 

I. The Massachusetts Claim against New York. 
IL The Connecticut Claim against Pennsylvania. 
III. The Connecticut Gore in New York. 
M. Erie Triangle. 
N. Maps of the Boundary Line, 1885. 



212 [Senate 



APPENDIX A. 



Laws Relating to the Re-surveys of the Boundary Line Be- 
tween JSTew York and Pennsylvania. 

^EW YORK. 

In Assembly ) 

Albany, April 11, 1866. \ 

llesoVoed (If the Senate concur), That in conformity with the 
recommendation of the Regents of the University in their report 
on the longitude of the western boundary of the State, submitted 
to the Legislature at tlie present session, that the said Regents be 
authorized to make such arrangements as may be found desirable, 
with the authority of Pennsylvania, for rencAving and replacing the 
monument near Lake Erie, on the said western boundary line. 
By order of the Assembly, 

J. B. CusHMAN, Clerk. 

In Senate, April 16, 1866. 
Passed without amendment. 

By order of the Senate, 

Jas. Terwilliger, Clerl'. 

In Senate, April 19, 1867. 
Resolved^ That in view of the communication of the Regents of 
the University to the Legislature, dated April 15, 1867, the said Re- 
gents are hereby authorized to cause an examination to be instituted 
as to the condition and true location of the monuments which mark 
the several boundaries of the State, and to ascertain whether any and 
what action may be needed to preserve or renew them, and also to 
procure and put in form such historical information in regard to the 
said boundaries as they may deem to be of interest, at an expense not 
to exceed three thousand dollars, and to report their proceedings 
under this resolution to the Legislature. 

Senate Journal, 90th Session, 1867, page 1030. 

Laws of 1875, Chapter 424. 

AN ACT in regard to the boundary monuments of the State. 
Passed May 26, 1875; tbree-fiftbs being present. 

'Fhe People of the State of Nev) Yorh, represented in Senate and 
Assembly, do enact as follovjs : 

Section 1. The Regents of the University arc hereby autlicn-ized 
and directed to resume the work of " examination as to tlie true lo- 



No. 71.] 213 

cation of tlic monTimcnts whicli mark the several boundaries of the 
State," as authorized by the resolution of tlie Senate of April nine- 
teenth, eighteen hundred and sixty-seven, and in connection with 
the authorities of Pennsylvania and New Jersey respectively, to re- 
place any monuments whicli have become dilapidated or been re- 
moved, on the boundary lines of those States. 

§ 2. The sum of three thousand dollars, or so much thereof as 
may be necessary, is hereby appropriated for expenses of renewing 
and replacing monuments, and for contingent expenses. 

§ 3. The Kegents shall report to the Legislature on the progress of 
this work, with an account of all expenditures. 

§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately. 

Laws of 1877, Chaptek 275. 

AN ACT making appropriations for certain expenses of government 
and supplying deficiencies in former appropriations. 

Passed May 16, 1877. 

The sum of three thousand dollars appropriated by chapter four 
hundred and twenty -four of the laws of eighteen hundred and 
seventy-five for the expenses of renewing and replacing state bound- 
ary monuments is hereby appropriated for the same purposes. . 

Laws of 1878, Chapter 252. 

AN ACT making appropriations for certain expenses of government 
and 8up23lying deficiencies in former appropriations. 

Passed May 13, 1878. 

For the payment of the expenses for finishing the work of renew- 
ing and replacing state boundary lines, in pursuance of chapter four 
hundred and twenty-four of the laws of eighteen hundred and 
seventy-five, the sum of five thousand dollars. 



Laws of 1880, Chapter 340. 

AN ACT to provide for the settlement of the boundary lines be 
tween the State of New York and the States of Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey, respectively. 

Passed May 20, 1880, three-fifths being present. 

The People of the State of Neio York, represented in Senate and 
Assembly, do enact asfoUotos: 

Section 1. Whereas, by an act of the Legislature, passed the 
twenty-sixth day of May, eighteen hundred and seventy-five, the 
regents of the university were authorized and directed, '• in connec- 
tion with the authorities of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respect- 



214 [Senate 

ively, to replace any monuments wliicli have become dilapidated 
or been removed, on the boundary lines of those States ; " and 
whereas, from the examination made by said regents, it has been 
found that said monuments, as located by tlie original joint commis- 
sioners, do not conform in all cases to the verbal descriptions of 
said lines, and questions have arisen between the commissioners of 
said States as to the proper location of said monuments ; therefore, 
it is hereby declared that the lines c>riginally laid down and marked 
with monuments by the several joint commissioners, duly appointed 
for that purpose, and which have since been acknowledged and 
legally recognized by the several States interested, as the limits of 
their territory and jurisdiction, are the boundary lines of said States, 
irrespective of want of conformity to the verbal descriptions thereof. 

§ 2. Said regents are hereby authorized and empowered to des- 
ignate and appoint three of their number as commissioners to meet 
such commissioners as have been or may be appointed and vested 
with similar powers on the part of the States of Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey, or either of them, and with such last-mentioned com- 
missioners, as soon as may be, to proceed to ascertain and agree upon 
the location of said lines as originally established and marked with 
monuments ; and in case any monuments are found dilapidated or 
removed from their original location, said commissioners are author- 
ized to renew or replace them in a durable manner, in their original 
positions, and to erect such additional monuments at such places on 
said lines as they may deem necessary, for the proper designation 
of the boundary lines of said States. The said regents shall report 
the action of said commissioners to the legislature of the State for 
its consideration and ratification. 

§ 3. The sum of three thousand dollars, or so much thereof as 
may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any moneys in 
the treasury applicable for such purposes, to pay the necessary 
expenses and disbursements of said commissioners in the perform- 
ance of the duties required by this act, and the comptroller is au- 
thorized to draw his warrant upon the treasurer for moneys hereby 
appropriated, from time to time, as the same may be needed. 

§ 4. This Act shall take effect immediately. 

in pursuance of the above law, the Regents of the University, 13 
July, 1880, adopted the following resolution : 

Whereas, By chapter 340 of the Laws of 1880 the Board of 
Regents are " authorized and empowered to designate and appoint 
three of their number as Commissioners to meet such Commissioners 
as have been or may be appointed and vested with similar powers on 
the part of the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, or either of 
them, and to proceed to ascertain and agree upon the location of said 
lines as originally established and marked with monuments ; " there- 
fore. 

Resolved^ That Yice-ChancellorPierson and Regents Leavenworth 
and Depew be appointed Commissioners under the above act, with 
full powers to carry out the provisions thereof. 



No. 71.] 215 

Laws of 1882, Chapter 362. 

AN ACT making appropriations for certain expenses of government 
and supplying deficiencies in former appropriations. 

Passed June 37, 1883. 

For the commissioners appointed under chapter three hundred and 
forty of the laws of eighteen hundred and eighty, for the settlement of 
the boundary lines between the state of New Y ork and the states of 
Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively, for the necessary ex- 
penses and disbursements under said act, the sum of five thousand 
dollars or so much thereof as may be necessary. 



Laws of 1885, Chapter 525. 

AN ACT making appropriations for certain expenses of government 
and supplying deficiencies in former aj)propriations. 

Passed June 13, 1885. 

For the Commissioners appointed under chapter three hundred and 
forty of the laws of eighteen hundred and eighty, for the settlement 
of the boundary lines between the state of New York and the states 
of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively, for the necessary ex- 
penses and disbursements under said act, the sum of two thousand 
five hundred dollars, or so much as may be necessary.* 

PENNSYLYANIA. 

Extract from an act of the General Assembly of the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, entitled An Act, To provide for the ordinary 
expenses of the Government, and other general and specific appro- 
priations." Approved the 11th day of April, A. D. 1867. 

" Section 75. — For the surveyor-general, for the expenses of sur- 
veying and determining the exact position of the stone that marks 
the line, on the shore of Lake Erie, between the state of Pennsylvania 
and New York, and the erection of a more durable monument, fur- 
ther inland, the sum of two-hundred dollars ($200) or so much thereof 
as may be necessary." 

An Act 

In regard to the l)0unda7y monuments on the line 'between the State of 
Pennsylvania and New York, with an appropriation for expenses 
of same. 

[Passed May 8, 1876. P. L. 143.] 
Section 1. Be it enacted^ (&g., That as soon as practicable after 
the passage of this act it shall be the duty of the Governor to appoint 

* See chapter 560, Laws of 1886 (N.Y.), for act confirming the proceedings of 
the Commission; and chapter 449, Laws of 1886, for act providing for the care 
and preservation of Boundary monuments. 



216 [Senate 

three persons to be a commission, to act in conjunction with a simi- 
lar commission of the State of New York, to examine as to the true 
location of the monuments which mark the boundary line between 
this State and the State of New York, and in connection with said 
commission of the said State of New York, to replace any monuments 
which have become dilapidated or been removed on the boundary 
lines of snid States. 

§ 2. The sum of two thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may 
be necessary, is hereby appropriated for expenses of renewing and re- 
placing monuments and for contingent expenses. 

§ 3. Said eommission shall make report to the Secretary of Inter- 
nal Affairs on the progress of the work, with an account of all ex- 
penditures, which shall be transmitted by said Secretary to the Gen- 
eral Assembly at its next session; and said commission shall, on com- 
pletion of said work, prepare and tile in the Department of Internal 
Affairs a full report of their proceedings, accompanied with such 
maps or drafts as may be necessary to a clear understanding of the 
same. 



ASu 



Pl'LEMENT 



To an act in regard to the boundary laonuments on the line hetween 
the State of Pennsylvania and neio Yorh, with an appropria- 
tion fo7^ expenses of same ^ approved May eighth^ one thousand eight 
hundred and seventy -six ^ appropriating money for contimdng the 
provisions of the said act. 

\Passea June 11, 1879. P. Z. 132.] 

Whereas, The appropriation provided for in the act to which this 
act is a supplement, amounted only to the sum of two thousand 
dollars, whereby the main cost of the survey of the boundary line 
has fallen upon the State of New York, the commissioners of the 
said State having carried on the work through the aid of their own 
appropriation, with the understanding, however, that the fact should 
be laid before the Legislature of Pennsylvania, which has been done 
by the Governor in his annual message, one thousand eight hundred 
and seventy-nine, and trusting that the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- 
vania would bear her just proportion of the cost ; 

And 'whereas. The amount appropriated by the State of New 
York for the purpose in hand is eight thousand dollars, of which a 
large portion has been already expended, and the work not yet com- 
pleted : 

SECTiOiSr 1. Be it enacted^ c&c, That the further sum of six thou- 
sand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and the 
same is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not 
otherwise appropriated, in order to equahze justly, as between the 
States of New York and Pennsylvania, the cost of carrying out the 
provisions of the act to which this act is a supplement, and provide 
for the further prosecution of the surveys and investigations defined 



No. n.] 217 

in the said act, in conjunction with the Paid State of New Yorlv ; and 
the duty, authority, and accountability of the conunissioners on the 
part of Pennsylvania, appointed by the Governor, shall continue as 
in the said act prescribed, no portion of which is intended to be re- 
pealed by the passage of this act, the intention being to aid by an 
appropriation the carrying out of its provisions. 

A Further Supplement, 

To an act in regard to the houndari/ nnonutnents on the line between 
the State of Pennsylvania and Neio ITork^ toith an appropria- 
tion for expenses of sa7ne, approved May eighth, one thousand 
eight hundred and seventy -six, appropriately money for continu- 
ing the provisions of the said act. 

[Passed Ji/lij 5, 1883, P. L. 190.] 

Whereas, it was impracticable when the act to wliicli this act is 
a supplement was passed, to ascertain to any certainty the final cost 
of fulfilling its provisions ; 

And whereas, The amounts appropriated in said act and its sup- 
plement, approved June eleventh, one thousand eight hundred and 
seventy-nine, being in all eight thousand dollars, have jjroved inade- 
quate for the })urpose of establishing a line or lines, with monu- 
ments, x)ver two hundred and forty miles in length ; 

And lohereas, The State of New York has appropriated some 
eight thousand dollars more than the State of Pennsylvania has 
done for this purpose, besides contributing the services of three of 
her reo'ents of the university ; 

And %ohereas, The cost of such a line completed has been ascer- 
tained per mile by actual outlay on the line established between 
Pennsylvania and Ohio ; 

And, whereas, Through loss of time occasioned by a discussion of 
final methods, now, however, fully settled, an appropriation by" the 
Legislature of Pennsylvania at its session of one thousand eight hun- 
dred and eighty-one, failed for the time being, whereby a considera- 
ble portion of the work upon which there was no disagreement in 
the joint commission has been done by the commissioners of the 
State of New York alone, they expecting their State to be renm- 
nerated by Pennsylvania to the extent of her moiety, through the 
promised representations of her counnissiouers, to be laid before the 
Legislature of Pennsylvania at its present session ; 

And loher'eas, The amount herein proposed to be appropriated, 
will, judging from experience on the western boundary of Pennsyl- 
vania, it is believed, complete the line at a reasonable cost per mile 
as contemplated by the act to which this act is a supplement ; there- 
fore, 

Section 1. Be it enacted, die, That the further sum of eight 
thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and 
the same is hereby appropriated for the purpose of marking perma- 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 28 



218 [Senate 

nently the boundary line or lines between Pennsylvania and New- 
York, as contemplated in the original act to which this act is a sup- 
plement, and of equalizing the just cost of the same to each of the 
States interested, and the duty, authority, and accountability of the 
commissioners on the part of Pennsylvania, appointed by the 
Governor, shall continue as in the said act prescribed, no portion of 
which is intended to be repealed by the passage of this act ; the ob- 
ject being to aid by an appropriation the carrying out of its pro- 
visions. 

No. 72. 
A Further Supplement 

To an act providing for the acljustment of the Boundary line be- 
tween Nev) York and Pennsylvania^ apjyroved on th^ eighth day 
of May, one thousand eight hundred and seventy- six, and its 
supplements, appropriating money for the comphtiorh of the same. 

Whereas, The amount of money appropriated by the several 
acts, to which this act is a further supplement, has proved inade- 
quate for the purposes provided for in said acts ; therefore, 

Section 1. Be it enacted, <&c., That the further sum of three 
thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and 
the same is hereby appropriated to be applied to the completion of 
the same, and to be expended in strict accordance with the provis- 
ions of the acts to which this act is a further supplement. 

Approved — The 11th day of June, A. D., 1885. 

KOBT. E. PATTISON. 



No. 71.] 219 



APPENDIX AA. 



Instructions. 



To H. Wadsworth Clarke, C. E., Surveyor on the part of New 
Yorky and 
Christopher M. Gere, C. E., Surveyor on the part of Pennsyl^ 
vania. 

At a joint meeting of the Boiinclary Commissioners of the States 
of New York and Pennsylvania, held at the city of Syracuse, N. Y., 
on the 25*^^ day of July, 1883, the following instructions for the 
further prosecution of the work of ascertaining and re-marking the 
Boundary line between the two States, were adopted and ordered to 
be transmitted to the Surveyors. 

1. The work of ascertaining and re-marking the Boundary line 
between !New York and Pennsylvania is to be resumed as soon as 
possible at its Eastern extremity, and to be continued during the 
remainder of the season of 1883 and during as much of the season 
of 1884 as may be necessary for its completion. 

2. Wherever practicable the locations of the old Boundary Monu- 
ments are to be ascertained, and in case they are still in existence 
they are to be restored and re-set in a substantial manner in their 
original location."^" 

3. At each mile interval along the line a new monument of the 
form and character hereinafter described is to be established, and in 
case the old monument still remains at any point, the new monu- 
ment is to be placed on the line in a position contiguous to the old 
monument.f 

4. In cases where the old monuments which marked the Boundary 
line are missing, such evidence of their oi'iginal locations as may be 
obtained is to be collected, and when this is deemed sufficient the 
new monuments are to be set accordingly ; but in cases where the 
original location of the line cannot otherwise be determined, a strait 
line is to be run between the nearest adjacent points whose locations 
are known and on this strait line and at the proper intervals the new 
monuments are to be established. 

5. In the event of a serious doubt as to the proper location for 
any one of the proposed monuments, or of a disagreement between 

* From the small size and irregular shape of many of the original milestones 
(quite a number being broken) it was found impracticable to carry this out 
generally. The smaller ones were used as witness marks under the new monu- 
ments. 

f See previous note. The old monuments, most of them, could hardly be set 
permanently without entirely burying them. 



220 [Senate 

the two Surveyors as to sncli location, the question in doubt or dis- 
pute is to be submitted to tlie Joint Commission, and to be decided 
after investigation and consultation, by mutual agreement. 

6. At each highway and at eacli hue of railway and river crossed 
by the Boundary line, and in a strait line between the nearest adja- 
cent mile monuments, monuments of the form and character herein- 
after described are to be established in a conspicuous but secure 
location at the side of such highway, railroad, or river. 

7. The mile monuments hereinbefore referred to are to be of 
granite, four feet long, the top to be dressed six inches square, 
to a distance down of six inches ; upon one side, to be cut the let- 
ters "]S[. y.," ujjon the opposite "PA.," and upon a third side a 
number corresponding to the number of miles from the eastern ex- 
tremity of the line ; quarter-inch grooves to be cut at right angles 
across the center of the top parallel to the sides.'" 

8. The monuments to be erected at highways as hereinbefore de- 
scribed are to be of the same material as tlie mile monuments, but to 
be four and one-half feet in length, and six by twelve inches in cross- 
section, and dressed at the to]) for a distance of one foot ; and they 
are to be marked in the same manner as the nule monuments, except 
that they are not to be marked with numbers. The monuments to 
be erected at railways and rivers are to be of the same form and 
material as the mile monuments as described in the seventh section, 
except that no numbers are to be inscribed upon them. 

9. The excavations to receive the monuments are to be carried six 
inches below the bottom of the monument, and powdered charcoal 
or other durable foreign material is to be sprinkled over the bottom, 
and a flat disk of earthenware, six inches in diameter, perforated in 
the center, is to be placed vertically beneath the point to be marked 
by the monument ; the monument is to be sunk so that in the case of 
the mile, railway, and riv^er monuments, only six inches of the top shall 
project above the surface of the ground, and in case of highway mon- 
uments, twelve inches. Each monument is to be secured in its 
proper place by packing broken stone and earth in the excavation 
around it. 

10. Special monuments of a more elaborate character are to be 
erected to mark the eastern termination at the Delaware River of 
that portion of the Boundary line constituting the forty-second par- 
allel, and also the western termination where the parallel intersects 
the Meridian Boundary line betAveen the t\vo States.f 

The material and plans for these monuments are to be substantially 
the same as for those erected by the Commissioners to mark the ter- 
minal points of the Boundary line between the States of New York 
and New Jersey. Commissioner Worrall on the part of Pennsyl- 
vania, and Commissioner Leavenworth on the part of New York 
are specially charged with the erection of these monuments, and the 

* Mile monuments, the locations of which were in highways, were made of the 
size and form prescribed in the next paragraph. 

f See Sketch No. 9 for an illustration of these monuments. 



No. 71.] 221 

Surveyors are to set such monninents in a snl)stantial and permanent 
inannei". 

11. The Stations established in the vicinity of the Boundary line 
by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey for the purpose of 
determining the latitude of the line, are to be marked in a sub- 
stantial and permanent manner, by granite monuments of such form 
and dimensions as the Surveyors may decide, and the location of these 
monuments and their character and purpose are to be indicated in 
the description of the line. (See Appendix D.) 

12. Accurate records of the work done in re-marking this Bound- 
ary are to be kept, in which shall be given, among other things, 
descriptions of the several monuments, together with their under- 
ground marks, nature of the soil, their surroundings, and temporary 
witness marks which may serve to identify their location. These 
records are to be made out in duplicate, one copy for New York and 
one for Pennsylvania. 

13. The topographical map of the line is to be prepared, npon 
which the exact positions of the monuments are to be indicated, and 
this map is to be duplicated, so that one copy may be fui'nished to 
the Commissioners of New York, and one to the Commissioners of 
Pennsylvania. 

14. At the close of the present season of 1883, a report of the 
progress of the work is to be prepared, giving details of the j^arts 
accomplished and the parts still remaining, and also a statement of 
the expenditures incurred, and estimates of the expenditures re- 
quired to complete the same. At the close of the work, a full report 
of your work of surveying and re-marking the entire line is to be 
prepared, giving such particulars as to the history of the line, the 
mode of settling doubtful points, and such descriptions of the monu- 
ments, their location and their surroundings, as will serve to make a 
complete record of the Boundary Line; and both these reports 
must be prepared in duplicate so that one copy may be furnished to 
the Commissioners of New York, and one copy to the Commis- 
sioners of Pennsylvani;i. 

15. Accurate and detailed accounts are to be kept of expenses 
incurred in the prosecution of your work and quadruplicate vouchers 
are to be taken therefor. A monthly abstract of these expenses in 
duplicate is to be presented, charging to each State the one-half of 
such expenses, one copy for each of the States, each abstract to l)e ac- 
companied with duplicate vouchers of each of the items therein. You 
will be authorized to draAv in advance for funds with which to meet 
the current expenses of your work, one-half from each State, such 
advances to be accounted for in your monthly statements. 

A true copy of the minutes. 

DAYID MUERAY, 
Secretary of the Joint Commission. 
Approved^ 

JAMES WORRALL, 
Chairman of Joint Commission. 



222 [Senate 



APPENDIX B. 



SOHEDULE OF MILESTONES, AND A FeW OF THE PRINCIPAL MONU- 
MENTS, SET UPON THE PaEALLEL BoUNDAEY IN 1881-2-3-4. 

A description of each monument and its location is given, with 
data for its ready discovery and identification. The date each 
monument was set is added at the end of each description. 

The New Monuments set upon the Parallel Boundary, with 
the exception of the Large Initial monument at the Delaware river, 
are of reddish-gray granite from the quarries of John Beattie, 
Leete's Island, Connecticut. 

They are of five classes, of which the following descriptions are 
taken from the official " Record of Monuments : " (See Sketch 
No. 16.) 

" First Class — Highway Ildnuments. 

"These are placed at highways intersecting or following the 
Boundary. Milestones placed beside highways are of the first class. 
The monuments are 4^ feet long, the top is dressed rectangular, 12 
inches by 6 inches, and at right-angles across the center, parallel 
with the edges, are cut two quarter-inch grooves ; the upper end of 
each side to the depth of 12 inches is also dressed, and upon one 
broad (North) face, are cut the letters ' N. Y.,' and upon the other 
(South), the letters ' PA.' A milestone of the first class has, in 
addition, the number of the original mile monument with the addi- 
tion of the letter ' M.' These monuments weigh from 375 to 500 
pounds. 

" In setting monuments of this class, tlie longer groove was uni- 
formly placed in the direction of the Boundary. 

" Monuments of the second, third, and fourth classes are 4 feet 
long ; the top is dressed 6 inches square, and the upper end of each 
side is also dressed to the depth of 6 inches. Tliey weigh from 170 
to 220 pounds. 

" Second Class — Milestones. 

" These are placed at the original mile-points, which are not 
marked by monuments of the First or Fourtli classes. Across the 
top, at right-angles, and parallel with the faces, are cut two quarter- 
incli grooves. On opposite faces are cut the letters ' N. Y.' (north) 
and 'PA.' (south), and upon a third (east face) the number of the 
original monument with the letter ' M.' 

" Third Class. 
" These are similar m all respects to monuments o£ the Second 



JtCethocL ofKyetting, 



VK\\a.b\^Y^^ 




= ><^*^mYK\\^t^ "bXii^NW 



Or».w » b» ^^«T«<) c.ik\\<«>. 



m. 71.] 223 

Class, with the exception that the number upon the tliird face is 
omitted, except in a few instances. They are placed at Railway and 
River intersections, and at such other points as were necessary. 

" Monuments of the Second and Third Classes are set so that the 
faces containing the letters 'N. Y.' and 'PA.' are parallel with the 
Boundary. 

'•'' Fourth, Glass. 

" Diagonally across the top are cut two quarter-inch grooves, and 
the monuments are set so that one of the diagonal grooves is in the 
direction of the Boundary. The faces are specially lettered. These 
monuments are generally milestones marking Town or County Cor- 
ners, and the face of the stone toward the Town or County is 
marked with the initial letter of the name. 

''Fifth Class. 

"Monuments of this class are' placed to mark the Astronomical 
Stations of the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, occupied 
in 1877 and 1879. Each monument is a block of granite of the 
general dimensions of 12 inches square and 18 inches or more deep. 
The top is dressed and the station point is marked upon it in the 
center by a cross (-)-). Upon the top are also cut the name of the 
Station, the letters ' U. S. C. & G. S.,' and the year in which the 
Station was occupied." (See Appendix D.) 

Ordinary Highway Monuments, Railroad monuments, and monu- 
ments of the Fifth class are not included in the following schedule. 
For detailed descriptions of these, reference must be had to the offi- 
cial Record. 

The Manner of Setting. 

"With a few exceptions, the manner of setting monuments of the 
First, Second, Third, and Fourth classes was as follows : — 

" A hole of proper size was excavated to a depth of at least 4 
feet. Id the bottom was carefully laid a circnlar disk, 6 inches in 
diameter, and one inch thick, with a small hole in the center. The 
hole in the disk was placed vertically beneath the point to be marked, 
which is indicated by the intersection of the grooves in the top of 
the monument. 

" The disks used in 1881, and under a few monuments in 1882, 
were unglazed eai-thenware (brick). The disks generally used were 
glazed stoneware. In a few instances, disks were omitted. 

" The disk in the bottom of the excavation was carefully buried in 
four or five inches of foreign material, generally vegetable, upon 
which a flat stone (occasionally a piece of board) was placed, and 
upon this the monument stands. 

" Each monument was carefully placed so that the dressed faces 
are vertical, the proper groove upon the top lying in the dii'ection 



224 [Senate 

of the Bouiidaiy, and the excavation was filled about it with earth 
and stone, M^ell rammed, until all the monument except the di*essed 
faces, is buried. In a number of instances, the excavation was 
partly filled with hydraulic-cement mortar and broken stone."* 

Broome County, N. Y. 

A small monument was set on the Delawai'e County side of the 
Delaware River, at the intersection of an easterly' prolongation of the 
Boundary with the Meridian of Astronomical Station Travis. This mon- 
ument is marked with diagonal grooves upon the top, and is set flnsh 
with the surface of the ground just north of the wagon-track of the 
highway, 2025^^ feet East of the large Initial Monument west of the 
River, and 81^ feet South of the center of a granite monument mark- 
ing Station Travis. (The latter monument is 2^ feet underground, 
and is 462'-'^ feet South 39° 36' East (true) from the south-easterly 
corner of the foundation of the main part of the dwelling of John 
Hills.) The latitude of the intersection monument is 42° 00' 01". 85. 
April 12, 1884. 

Upon a rock, above high-water mark on the I'ight bank of the 
River, 984 feet South of the intersection monument, in the meiidian 
of Station Travis, is cut a "ci'ow-foot" for a meridian mark. Messrs. 
A. Lord and John Brown of Hale's Eddy, and M. R. Hulce of De- 
posit can show its position. 

A large Initial Monument of Rhode Island granite, 600 feet west 
of the center of the DelaM'are River, near the south-westej'ly side of 
the road along the right bank of the River. This monument is fully 
described and illustrated in the Report for 1882. April 11, 1884. 
(See Sketch No. 9.) 

Milestone 1 is a highway monument about 30 feet East of a road 
which winds up the mountain, south-east from Hale's Eddy, on the 
west side of a deep ravine. Replaces the original milestone. July 
18, 1882. 

Milestone 2 is a small monument near the left bank of Sand Pond 
Brook, about 870 feet East of a monument in the west side of the 
highway near S. B. Alexander's house. Original milestone not found. 
July 18,1882. 

The top of original Milestone 3 stands opposite tlie point where it 
was found, on a very steep, rocky, southerly slope, almost inaccessi- 
ble. It was found out of place in 18Y7. July 20, 1882. 

New Milestone 3 is a small monument, in the west edge of woods 
near the east side of a wood road, 21 chains west of the position of 
the original. July 20, 1882. 

Milestone 4 is a highway monument standing on the north-easterly 
side of the road along the left bank of the east branch of Sand Pond 
Brook. The original milestone was not found. July 19, 1882. 

Milestone 5 is a small monument in the north-westerly part of a 

* The Angular Deflections in tlie Boundary, at the various monument points, 
will be found in Appendix C. 



No. 71.] 225 

clearing, about a qnaTter of a mile north of Georo^e Lee's house, near 
the top of a south-easterly slope, about 500 feet East of the summit 
of the ridge east of the west branch of Sand Pond Brook. Replaces 
the ori^nal milestone. July 17, 1882. 

All the monuments east of Milestone 5 are in a curved line, having 
the normal curvature of the parallel, passing through Milestones 5 
and 1. 

Milestone 6 is a small monument, at the foot of a steep easterly 
slope, about 155 feet East of a highway monument on the west side 
of the road south from Danville. Replaces original milestone. July 
15, 1882. 

The corner of "Wayne and Susquehanna Counties, Penn., is marked 
by a highway monument near the point at which the road which fol- 
lows the Boundary turns toward the South-west and leaves the line. 
July 15, 1882. 

Milestone 7 is a small monument in cleared land near the foot of 
a steep slope, the easterly side of Deep Hollow, about 1692 feet East 
of a highway monument at the Deep Hollow Road. Replaces the 
oi-iginal milestone. July 14, 1882. 

Milestone 8 is a small monument in a wind-fall in thick woods, 
about 200 feet West of the top of a steep westerly slope, about 3684 
feet West of the highway monument at the Deep Hollow Road- 
Original milestone not found. July 14, 1882. 

Milestone 9 is a small monument, in tliick woods on a steep east- 
erly slope, about 150 feet East of the summit of a narrow ridge, and 
about 2600 feet East of a highway monument at Pig-pen Run road. 
Original milestone not found. July 13, 1882. 

Milestones 8 and 9 are in line between Milestones 7 and 10. 

The corner of the Towns of Sanford and Windsor is marked by 
a small monument, marked on the top with diagonal grooves; it is 
440 feet East of Milestone 10. July 12, 1882. 

Milestone 10 is a small monument in thick woods near a M^ood-road, 
south-east of a large upturned root, 605 feet East of a small monument 
at a new road, at the corner of the farms of Lynes and O'Rourke. 
Replaces the original milestone. July 12, 1882. 

Milestone 11 is a small monument at the foot of a steep North- 
westerly slope, 1356' feet East of a highway monument standing at 
the w^est side of the east Cascade Yalley road. Replaces the origi- 
nal milestone. July 11, 1882. 

Milestone 12 is a small monument standing upon the summit of a 
high narrow ridge between Cascade Yalley and the Susquehanna 
River. This Milestone is in line between Milestone 11 and the east 
River monument. The original milestone was not found. July 11, 
1882. 

Two small monuments mark the intersection of the Boundary with 

the Susquehanna River. That upon the left bank is 50 feet East of 

the original monument which stands at the edge of the River bank. 

July 7, 1882. That upon the right bank is 20 feet west of the origi- 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 29 



226 [Senate 

nal monument whicli stands upon the edge of the River bank. July 
26, 1882. The line is not continuous across the River. 

Milestone 13 is a small monument in cleared land, 1698 feet West 
of the monument on the right bank of the Susquehanna Riv^er. The 
original milestone, which had been displaced, was re-set at the west 
side of the new monument. August 4, 1883. 

The Corner of the Hooper Patent and the Third Tract in "Wind- 
sor is marked by a small monument with diagonal grooves ; upon a 
steep northerly slope in a laurel thicket in thick woods, opposite the 
position of the stone set by the State Deputy Surveyor in 1841, 
591' feet east of Milestone 14. August 7, 1883. 

Milestone 14 is a small monument in a laurel thicket in thick 
woods; steep northerly slope; 1647^ feet east of a highway monu- 
ment standing at the S. W. side of a road on the summit of the 
ridge. The original milestone was not found. August 6, 1883, 

The last three monuments are in line between the monument stand- 
ing on the right bank of the Susquehanna River and Milestone 15. 

Milestone 15 is a small monument with diagonal grooves ; in 
cleared land about 250 feet East of the foot of a steep easterly slope 
and 557^ feet West of a highway monument at the west side of a 
road along the west side of the valley. This monument replaces 
the original milestone, and marks the corner of the Towns of Oak- 
land and Great Bend in Susquehanna County, Pa. 25 July, 1882. 

Milestone 16 is a small monument in a wet meadow, 672' feet 
West of a highway monument on the N. E. side of the road 
north-west from Locust Hill Church. Replaces the original mile- 
stone. July 24, 1882. 

Milestone 17 is a small monument on a short steep easterly slope, 
about 40 feet from the bf'ow ; 369* feet East of a highway monu- 
ment on the west side of the road along west side of the valley, 
N. E. from Red Rock. The original milestone was not found. 
August 5, 1883. 

Milestone 18 is a small monument in a clear patch near the south- 
west corner of a piece of woods. West side of rocky summit near 
the brow of a high steep nortli-westerly slope, overlooking the valley 
of the east branch of Trowbridge Creek. The original milestone 
was not found. August 16, 1883. 

Milestones 17 and 18 are in an easterly prolongation of a line be- 
tween the First Latitude Stone on the right bank of the Susquehanna 
River and Milestone 19. 

Milestone 19 is a small monument in thick young woods on a steep 
easterh' slope, about 465 feet West of Trowbridge Creek. Replaces 
orimnal milestone, which was reset at the west side of the new 
monument. August 11, 1883. 

" Fan-tail Corner " is a rough monument of native rock, 165 feet 
West of Milestone 19. It marks the common corner of 6 Pennsyl- 
vania sub-divisions. 

The corner of the towns of Windsor and Kirkwood is marked by 



No. 71.] 227 

a small monument with diagonal grooves; in the open field 442* feet 
west of a highway monument upon the high summit Nortli of the 
village of Great Bend, and 2037' feet West of Milestone 19 ; 
95' feet South-westerly from the South-westerly corner of Squire's 
big barn. Apiil 15, 1884. 

Milestone 20 is a small monument upon the Riv^er flats, 654* feet 
East of a highway monument on the east side of the Hiver 
Road. It is in line between Milestones 19 and the First Latitude 
Stone (Milestone 20|-). The original monument was not found. 
August 18, 1883. 

Astronomical Station Finn is marked by a granite monument 
buried 2^ feet under ground, 97" feet north-westerly from the north- 
westerly corner of the foundation of the main part of James Finn's 
dwelling. The center of the Station is 256^ feet North and 142^ 
feet West of the highway monument on the west side of the River 
road. April 16, 1884. 

A small monument is set in the meridian of Station Finn, 650^ 
feet North of the Station, at the south side of a stone wall on the 
north line of the land of John Cline. April 16, 1884. 

Milestone 20-| is a small monument at the east side of the base of 
the First Latitude Stone which was left in place, about 20 feet East 
of the right bank of the Susquehanna River. The latitude of tbis 
monument as deduced from the Astronomical observations at Station 
Finn, is 41° 59' 56".71. July 27, 1882. 

Milestone 21 is a small monument with diagonal grooves, standing 
upon the probable site of the original milestone at the north end of 
the summit of the high ridge between the Susquehanna River and 
Snake Creek. It marks the corner of the Towns of Great Bend and 
Liberty, Susquehanna County, Pemi. August 21, 1883. 

Milestone 22 is a highway monument at the west side of the 
Montrose and Binghamton Turnpike, west side of Snake Creek 
valley ; in line between Milestones 21 and 23. The original mile- 
stone was not found. Aug. 20, 1883. 

Milestone 23 is a small moimment a little east of a wood road, 
surrounded by briars and upturned roots, north of a small brook 
which runs South-east. Replaces original milestone. August 21, 
1883. 

Milestone 24 is a small monument in a shallow gully in an open 
field belonging to Chas. Adams, 329' feet East of a highway monu- 
ment standing on the west side of the road leading to Corbettsville. 
The original milestone was not found. Aug. 25, 1883. 

Milestone 25 is a small monument in the west edge of " Wolf 
Swamp," which was formerly the bottom of a mill-pond. The 
original milestone has been displaced for years. Milestones 24 and 
25 are set in line between Milestones 23 and 26. August 24, 1883. 

Milestone 26 is a small monument in thick woods about 100 feet 
North of a clearing, and just below the top of a steep slope west of 
north, opposite the bottom of a deep hollow in the road which 



228 [Senate 

passes nearly parallel with the line, a short distance south: 398 feet 
West of the S. E. Corner of the Town of Binghamton. Keplaces 
the original milestone. Aug. 28, 1883. 

Milestone 27 is a small monument with diagonal grooves, standing 
iu the south side of a road which follows the line, and 197 feet West 
of a highway monument at the point where the road turns from the 
line toward the north-east. It is in line between Milestones 26 and 
28. The original milestone had been displaced in working the 
road. It marks the corner of the Towns of Liberty and Silver 
Lake in Susquehanna Co., Penn. Sept. 4, 1883, 

Milestone 28 is a highway monument at the west side of the old 
Hawleyton turnpike. Replaces an old Pennsylvania Corner stone 
which was assumed as marking the site of the original milestone, 
which was not found. Sept. 3, 1883. 

Milestone 29 is a small monument in cleared land north side of a 
stone wall, upon a westerly slope, about 100 feet west of the summit, 
and north of the village of Brackney ; 1415 feet East of a highway 
monument west side of road from Brackneyville. The original 
milestone was not found. Sept. 5, 1883. 

Milestone 30 is in cleared pasture land about 70 feet west of a 
brook, 875' feet East of a highway monument standing near the 
N. W. corner of a barn. The original milestone was not found. 
Sept. 5, 1883. 

Milestones 29 and 30 are set in line between Milestones 28 and 31. 

Milestone 31 is a highway monument in the south side of a road 
on hue, about 124 feet East of a brook crossing the road. It is in an 
easterly prolongation of a line from Milestone 33 through a rough 
stone monument standing 74^ feet West of Milestone 31, known as 
the " State Line Stone." The original milestone had been displaced 
for years. Sept. 6, 1883. 

Milestone 32 is a small monument with diagonal grooves, standing 
about 75 feet West of the west side of the summit of the high 
ridge East of the Choconut Yalley. It is set in line between Mile- 
stones 31 and 33 and marks the corner of the towns of Silver Lake 
and Choconut in Susquehanna County, Penn. The original mile- 
stone was found displaced. Sept. 6, 1883. 

Milestone 33 is a small monument upon the east slope of the 
mountain 935 feet West of Choconut Creek. Replaces original mile- 
stone. Aug. 4, 1882. 

Milestone 34 is a small monument on a rough slope East, covered 
with burnt woods, 78 feet West of a small brook, running South. 
In line between Milestones 33 and 35. The original milestone was 
not found. Sept. 10, 1883. 

Milestone 35 is a small monument standing at the top of a steep 
bluff, sloping south of east 14^ feet West of the corner of the (N. 
Y.) farms of Warrick and Waffel. It was set in an easterly pro- 
longation of the line between Milestones 36 and 39. The original 
milestone was not found. Sept. 10, 1883. 



Ko. 71.] 229 

Milestone 36 is a small monument standing in a thick briar-patch, 
north edge of thick woods, 303 feet West of a highway monument 
standing beside tlie Tracy Creek road. It replaced the original 
milestone. Sept. 11, 18S3. 

Milestone 37 is a small monument in south edge of woods, 300 
feet East of a deep ravine, and 1028' feet East of a highway monu- 
ment on the west side of a road. It is set in hne between Mile- 
stones 36 and 39. The original milestone was not found, Aug. 
5, 1882. 

The South-west corner of Bkoome County is marked by a small 
monument with diagonal grooves, in cleared land, 809^ feet East of 
Milestone 38 and about 1600 feet w^est of the summit of the ridge 
South-east of Jones Creek. Sept. 12, 1883. 

Tioga Coukty, N. T. 

Milestone 38 is a small monument standing in open woods beside 
an abandoned road, near the north-west corner of a clearing, 809* 
feet West of the south-west corner of Broome County. It is set in 
line between Milestones 36 and 39. The original milestone was not 
found. Aug. 5, 1882. 

Milestone 39 is a highway monument standing in the South side 
of a road which follows the Boundary north-east of the village of 
Little Meadows ; a short distance west of the intersection of Jones 
Creek, Replaces the original milestone, which was reset at the east 
side of the new monument. Aug. 2, 1882. 

Milestone 39^ is a small monument midway in line between Mile- 
stones 39 and 40. It is in the meridian of Astronomical Station 
Little Meadows, 2*' feet South of the center of the Station, about 
75 feet E. of Jones Creek ; in rear of house of P. Hinds. The lati- 
tude of this monument, as deduced from the astronomical observa- 
tions at Station Little Meadows in 1879, is 41° 59' 59'.93. This 
monument is near the site of the Second Latitude Stone which 
disappeared many years ago. Aug. 7, 1882. 

A small monument is set in the meridian of Astronomical Station 
Little Meadows, 1760± feet North of Milestone 39^, in the south 
side of a rail fence N. 78° 45' W. (true) 34* ft. from a leaning 
Maple. Sept. 12, 1883. 

Milestone 40 is a small monument with diagonal grooves, in the 
north-east corner of a piece of woods just west of the summit of the 
north end of the high ridge west of Apalachin Creek. It replaces 
the original milestone and marks the corner of the Counties of Sus- 
quehanna and Bradford, Penn. The Latitude and Longitude of 
Milestone 40 as deduced Geodetically by the New York State Sur- 
vey are, Lat. 41° 59' 55", Long. 76° 08' 46", July 29, 1882. 

Milestone 41 is a small monument standing in a cove in the north 
side of a ridge, near the foot of the steep northerly slope at the 
north-east corner of a clearing in the north line of land belonging to 
Notewire. Replaces original milestone. July 31, 1882. 



230 [Senate 

Milestone 42 is a SMiall moniiinent upon level gronnd, north of 
burnt woods, 1150 East of tlie summit of a ridge and about 1448 
feet East of a highway monument standing in the west side of a 
road. It is in line between Milestones 41 and 43. The original 
milestone was found upon the top of a stump near by. August 1, 
1882. 

Milestone 43 is a highway monument standing on the west side 
of the Milford and Owego Turnpike, at its intersection with the 
Prince's Hollow Road. Replaces the original milestone. August 
1, 1882. 

Milestone 44 is a highway monument standing just east of a road 
upon a steep easterly slope, 120 feet west of a brook. Replaces the 
original milestone. August 3, 1882. 

Milestone 45 is a higliway monument standing in the westerly 
side of a road upon the summit of a high ridge east of the valley of 
Babcock Brook. It stands 13^ feet West of the site of the original 
milestone, which was in the center of the road. Aug. 15, 1882. 

Milestone 46 is a highway monument standing close beside (west 
of) the wagon track of a road, just south of a sluiceway. It replaces 
the original milestone and marks the corner of the towns of Warren 
and Windham in Bradford County, Penn. Nov. 12^ 1881. 

Milestone 47 is a small monument standing in nearly level 
ground, about 660 feet West of a highway monument standing in 
'the west side of the highway, nortli of Jere. Waite's house. Re- 
places a stone set in place of the original milestone. Nov. 12, 1881. 

Milestone 48 is a small monument in woods near west edge of new 
clearing. On an easterly slope about 175 feet West of a brook ; 
2356 feet East of a highway monument on west side of road cross- 
ing the hue. Replaces original milestone. Nov. 11, 1881. 

Milestone 49 is a small monument in thick woods at the north- 
westerly edge of the nearly level summit of the ridge east of the 
Wappasening Yalley, and about 3020 feet West from the last above- 
mentioned highway monument. Replaces the original milestone. 
Nov. 11, 1881. 

Milestone 50 is a highway monument standing in the south 
bounds of the highway which follows the Boundary east from Wap- 
pasening Creek ; near the point at which it turns north-east. Re- 
places the original milestone. Nov. 11, 1881. 

Milestone 5L is a small monument standing at the south edge of 
thick woods, 2000 feet East of the summit of the high ridge west of 
Wappasening Creek. Replaces original milestone. Nov. 11, 1881. 

Milestone 52 is a small monument with diagonal grooves, stand- 
ing about half-way up the low bluff, east side of Little Wappasen- 
ing Creek, and 67" feet East of a highway monument on west side 
of the Creek Road. It replaces the original milestone and marks 
the Corner of the towms of Windham and Litchfield, Bradford 
County, Penn. Nov. 10, 1881. 

Milestone 53 is a small monument under a stump fence, in cleared 
land upon high ground which is nearly level, north-west of the west 



No. 71.] 231 

branch of the Little Wappasening Creek, 3302 feet E. of a highway 
monument at the East end of State Line Road. Replaces original 
milestone. Nov. 10, 188L 

Milestone 5-i is a highway monument standing in the south 
bounds of the State Line Road at the N. E. corner of C. Ellis' farm, 
about 6-10 feet East of a highway monument standing at the west 
end of the State Line road. Replaces a stone set in place of the 
original milestone. Nov. 10, 1881, 

Milestone 55 is a small monument standing upon a southerly slope 
a short distance south of a barn and about 100 feet East of tlie point 
at which a short piece of road along the Boundary, turns toward the 
north-east. Replaces the original milestone. Nov. 5, 1881. 

A small monument stands one-half mile West of Milestone 55 upon 
the high summit overlooldng the Susquehanna Valley. Aug. 18, 1882. 

Milestone 56 is a small monument near the center of a road which 
follows the Boundary. It is set with its top flush Avith the surface 
of the ground, about 1090 feet East of a highway monument stand- 
ing in front of the cemetery on the River Road. The original monu- 
ment was not found. JNov. 1, 188L 

A small monument stands on the River flat about 30 feet East of 
the left bank of the Susquehanna River. This monument replaces 
a boulder which was set over 10 years ago to mark the line. Nov. 
4, 188L 

A small monument stands on the River flat 50 feet West of the 
right bank of the Susquehanna River. Nov. 1, 188L 

The last four monuments are in line between Milestones 55 and 57. 

Milestone 57 is a small monument standing in cleared land, roll- 
ing ground, about 2175 feet West of the right bank of the Susque- 
hanna River. Replaces the original milestone. Nov. 4, 1881. 

Milestone 58 stands upon the steep west slope of a narrow gravel 
ridge, about 1550 feet East of a highway monument standing on 
the South-east side of a road. This milestone was set in an easterly 
prolongation of a line drawn from Milestone 59 over a rough stone 
monument with a cross upon its top, 165 feet West of Milestone 58, 
marking the corner of subdivisions of the Douglass Military Patent. 
The original milestone had disappeared. Nov. 2, 1881. 

Milestone 59 is in an open cultivated field, about 100 ft. north of 
the high embankment of the D., L. & W. R. R., and about 70 ft. 
East of the G. I. & S. R. R. Replaces the original milestone. 
Sept. 15, 1883. 

Milestone 60 is a small monument standing in the rear end of a gar- 
den which fronts north on Railroad Avenue in tlie village of Waverly ; 
about 210 feet East of Fulton st. The original milestone had been 
dug up and removed. The latitude of Milestone 60 as deduced 
from the astronomical observations at Station Waverly in 1879, is 
42^ 00' 00". 71. Station Waverly is 860« feet East and 1" feet 
South of this milestone. Oct. 31, 1881. 

A highway monument was set upon the summit of the narrow 



232 [Senate 

ridge extending northerly from tlie Spanish Hills, 15 feet East of the 
original Spanish Hills monument at 60| miles, which was left stand- 
ing m place, about 75 feet south of the Delaware, L. & W. R. R. 
Sept. 15, 1883. 

The last two monuments are set in a curved line having the nor- 
mal curvature of the parallel, drawn from Milestone 59 to the orig- 
inal Spanish Hills monument. 

Milestone 60|- is a small monument standing upon the river flats, 
about 50 feet South of the high embankment of the D., L. & W. 
R. R., at the east end of tlie River bridge and about 25 feet East of 
the left bank of the Chemung River. Replaces the base of the 
original Third Latitude Stone. Oct. 27, 1881. 

Chemung County, N. Y. 

Milestone 61 is a small monument standing upon the right oank 
of the Chemung River in the foot of the slope of a high railroad 
embankment; 132 feet East in line toward the Spanish Hills monu- 
ment from the original milestone, which is buried in the embank- 
ment. It is 2r ft. South of the west abutment of the D., L. & W. 
R. R. bridge, and in line with the face of the abutment above the 
bridge-seat. Oct. 27, 1881. 

Milestone 62 is a small monument standing upon level ground 
north side of a thick growth of bushes, and 2335 feet East of a 
highway monument standing on the west side of the Chemung River 
road. It replaces the original milestone. Oct. 28, 1881. 

A small monument stands upon the river flat upon the right bank 
of the second intersection of the Chemung River. Oct. 28, 1881. 

Milestone ()3 is a highwav monument standing at the east side of 
a private road, south of Wynkoop Creek, about 950 feet West of 
the left bank of the Chemung River. The original milestone had 
been pulled up and moved about. Nov. 1, 1881. 

Milestone 64 is a small monument standing south side of a stone 
wall, about 70-1 feet East of a highway monument standing west side 
of the road upon a high bluff overlooking the Chemung River. The 
original milestone was found upon the top of a stone wall. Nov. 1, 
1881. 

The last three monuments are in Ihie between Milestones 62 
and 65. 

Milestone 65 is a small monument with diagonal grooves, standing 
in level cultivated land one-fourth mile West of a highway monu- 
ment in the south-westei-ly side of the River road. It replaces the 
original milestone, and marks the corner of the Towns of Athens 
and Ridgebury, Bradford County, Pennsylvania. Oct. 28, 1881. 

Milestone 6Q is a small monument standing in thick woods uj^on 
a steep north-easterly slope, 396 feet East of the north-east corner of 
the small clearing east of the summit. Replaces the original mile- 
stone. Aug. 29^ 1882. 

Milestone 67 is a small monument standing in thick woods upon 



No. 71.] 233 

a northwesterl}' slope, about 250 feet West of a wood road and about 
340 feet East of a brook in a deep ravine. Replaces the original mile- 
stone. Aug. 30, 1««2. 

Milestone 08 is a small monument in tlie edge of thick woods in 
the north-east corner of a bush lot, at the northeast corner of the 
farm of Raynor, about 200 feet AV est of the summit of the ridge. 
Replaces the original milestone. Aug. 28, 1882. 

Milestone G9 is a small monument in thick woods on a steep 
north-easterly slope, about 635 feet West of a brook in a deep ravine. 
Replaces the original milestone whicli was reset at the west side of 
the new monument. Aug. 28, 1882. 

A highway monument, standing on the east side of the Bentley 
Creek road South of the village of Wellsburg, is 441^' feet North 
and 40' feet West of the center of Astronomical Station Burt. The 
Latitude of this monument as deduced from the observations at Sta- 
tion Burt is 42° 00' 07".95. Aug. 25, 1882. 

A small monument was placed in the meridian of Station Burt 
1779 feet South of the Station, north side of a stump fence ; on the 
land of Mrs. Jerusha Gray. A]u-il 21, 1SS4. 

Milestone 70 is a small monument standing in an open field, 
cleared, high up on the Avest slope of the valley of Bentley Creek, 
279 feet East of a highway monument on the west side of tlie road 
near the summit. This milestone is set in line between Milestones 
69 and 71. The original milestone was nefer found. Aug. 25, 1882. 

Milestone 71 is a small monument standing in a root fence close 
beside a small hickory tree, in cleared land, 1175 feet West of a 
highway monument standing at the east side of the west intersection 
of tiie telegraph-road. Replaces the original milestone, which M'as 
reset at the west side of the new monument. Aug. 26, 1882. 

Milestone 72 is a small monument in a gap in a stone wall, south 
side of a piece of woods, north side of a lane on a steep northwest- 
erly slope, about 400 feet West of the summit of the ridge east of 
Soutli Creek. Rephices the original milestone. Sept. 2, 1882. 

Milestone 73 is a small monument standing at the eastedo-e of the 
summit of the high steep ridge west of South Creek valley, 1650 
feet West of the Creek. Replaces the original monument. Sept. 
4, 1882. 

Milestone 74 is a small monument standing in a narrow clay 
swamp in a deep valley, a few feet west of the bed of a brook. Re- 
places the original milestone. It is about 1180 feet East of the 
East end of the State Line Road on the summit of the Ridge. Sept. 
4, 1882. 

Milestone 75 is a highway monument standing upon the left bank 
of a ravine, at the north side of a road which follows the line ; 33 
feet West .of the original milestone, which was left in place in the 
bottom of the ravine close to the north side of the road embankment. 
The original milestone marks the corner of the Towns of South 
Creek and Wells, Bradford County, Penn. Milestone 75 is the most 
[Sen. Doc. Xo. 71.] 30 



234 [Senate 

northerly monument upon the Boundary. Its variation from the 
Astronomical Parallel of 42° is about 960 feet Korth. Sept. 9, 1882. 

Milestone 76 is a small monument upon a cleared westerly slope, 
about 700 feet West from the summit. The original milestone was 
not found. Sept. 13, 1882. 

Milestone 77 is a small monmnent standing in the bottom of Bird 
Creek valley 204'^ feet West of a highway monument standing in 
the west side of the Creek Hoad. The original jnilestone was car- 
ried away many years ago. Sept. 12, 1882. 

Milestones 76 and 77 are set in line between Milestones 75 and 78. 

Milestone 78 is a small inonument in a hollow, about 700 feet 
East of the summit of the high ridge East of Seely Creek valley. 
Replaces the original milestone. Sept. 7, 1882. 

Milestone 79 is a highway monument standing upon a bank, 
above the south-westerly side of a road which follows up a narrow 
ravine westerly fi-om State Line Station on the Tioga Railroad, and 
about 450 feet from the latter. Replaces the original milestone. 
Sept. 7, 1882. 

Milestone 80 is a highway monument standing in a narrow swamp 
upon the south side of a highway laid out along the line but not 
worked, and about 1150 feet West of the end of a road from the 
south. It replaces the original milestone and marks the corner of 
the Counties of Bradford and Tioga in Penn. Sept. 8, 1882. 

Milestone 81 is a small monument standing upon the east side of 
the narrow summit of a high ridge, at the south-east corner of a piece 
of woods, and about 990 feet West of a highway monument stancUng 
at the west end of a road on the Boundary. Replaces the original 
milestone. Sept. 6, 1882. 

Milestone 82 is a highway monument standing East of the wagon 
track of a road. It replaces the original milestone and marks the 
Corner of of the Counties of Chemung and Steuben in New York. 
Sept. 18, 1883. 

Steuben County, N. Y. 

Milestone 82 marks the south-east corner of Steuben County. 

Milestone 83 is a small monument standing north of the fence, in 
cleared land upon the summit of a low ridge which crosses the 
Boundary quite diagonally. A small fragment of the original mile- 
stone was found lying upon the surface of the ground near by. Sept. 
16, 1882. 

Milestone 84 is a small monument standing in the open cleared 
field south of the fence, in rear (north) of a dwelling house and about 
825 feet East of the point at which a road along the Boundary turns 
toward the south-east. The original"^ had been removed from its 
place. Sept. 16, 1882. 

Milestone 85 is a highway monument standing just south of the 
wagon track of the State Line I'oad, upon the north-easterly side of a 
hollow, about 350 feet East of a brook. The original was dug up in 
working the road. Sept. 18, 1882. 



No, 71.] 235 

The last three monuments are set in line between Milestones 82 
and 86. 

Milestone 86 is a small monument standing under a stump fence at 
the south edge of thick woods, upon a westerly slope, about 200 feet 
West of the top. Replaces the original milestone. Sept. 15, 1882. 

Milestone 87 is a small monument standing near the bottom of a 
bluii at the east side of a narrow swamp, 237^ feet East of a high- 
way monument standing upon the west side of a road. It was set in 
line between Milestones 86 and 88. The original milestone was not 
found. Sept. 21, 1882 

Milestone 88 is a small monument with diagonal grooves, standing 
at the south-east corner of a piece of woods. It replaces the original 
milestone, and marks the corner of the towns of Caton and Lindley 
in Steuben County, N. Y. 23 Sept. 1882. 

Milestone 89 is a small monument standing at a New York farm 
corner, upon a south-easterly slope, about 500 feet East of the sum- 
mit of the ridge overlooking the Tioga Valley. Sept. 22, 1882. 

A small monument was set upon the river flat near the left bank 
of the Tioga River, 24^ feet West of a large marked oak standing 
at the edge of the channel. This monument was placed in an east- 
erly prolongation of the line between Milestones 90 and 91, and 75 
feet West of the probable position of the original Fourth Latitude 
Stone, which was washed out by river floods. Sept. 23, 1882. 

Milestone 90 is a small monument standing upon the Tioga River 
flats at the east side of the original milestone, which was left standing 
in place. It is about 1260 feet East of a highway monument stand- 
ing near the west side of Main street in the village of Lawrenceville. 
The Latitude of this milestone as deduced from the astronomical 
observations at Station Lawrenceville in 1879, is 42° 00' 01".03. The 
center of the Station is 8" feet North and 2'^ feet West of the new 
milestone. Sept. 23, 1882. 

A small monument was set upon the river flats, about 940 feet 
West of Main street, Lawrenceville, and about 200 feet East of the 
channel of the Cowanesqua River. Sept. 29, 1882. 

Milestone 91 is a small monument standing in open woods on a 
steep southerly slope, about 250 feet West of the crest of the ridge 
and about 250 feet South of a clearing upon the summit. Replaces 
the original milestone. Sept. 27, 1882. 

Milestone 92 is a small monument standing in thick woods upon a 
gentle westerly slope, 125 feet West of the south-west corner of a 
clearing. Replaces the original milestone. Sept. 25, 18S2. 

Milestone 93 is a -highway monument standing in the edge of thick 
bushy woods south side of road along the line, near the top of aslope 
toward the west. Replaces the original milestone. Sept. 25, 1882. 

Milestone 94 is a highway monument standing north of the wagon- 
track of the State Line road, about 276 feet East of the summit 
of a ridge. It replaces the original milestone, which was reset at the 
east side of the new anouument. It marks the corner of the Towns 



236 [Senate 

of Lindley and Tuscarora in Steuben County, New York. Sept. 
26, 1882. 

Milestone 95 is a highway monument standing in the north line of 
the State Line road just east of the south-east corner of a pine grove, 
203 feet East of a highway monument standing at the east side of the 
road leading north-east from the village of Nelson. This milpstone 
was placed in line with Milestones 93 and 94. The original milestone 
was not found. Oct. 4, 1882. 

Milestone 96 is a small monument standing at a Pennsylvania farm 
corner, south side of a piece of woods on a gentle slope west not far 
from the top, and 1354 feet East of a highway monument standing 
in the west side of the highway leading north from the village of 
Nelson. Replaces the original milestone. Oct. 2, 1882. 

Milestone 97 is a small monument in a clay swamp in the bottom 
of a deep valley, about 525 feet West of a road and 230 feet west of 
a brook. Replaces the original milestone. Oct. 11, 1882. 

Milestone 98 is a small monument standing near the east side of a 
narrow clearing upon a gentle slope south-east overlooking the Cow- 
anesqua Valley ; 69 feet "West of the south-east corner of Lot 139 in 
Tuscarora. It is set in line between Milestones 97 and 99. The 
original milestone had been pulled up and broken in pieces. Oct. 
3, 1882. 

Milestone 99 is a small monument standing upon a steep westerly 
slope about 30 feet West of the west edge of woods; 1521 feet East 
of a highway monmnent standing at the west side of the Addison 
Road. Replaces the original milestone. Sept. 30, 1882. 

Milestone 100 is a small monument with diagonal grooves, stand- 
ing in the north edge of the channel of a brook 160^ feet East of 
a highway monument standing at the south-westerly side of the road 
leading north from the village of Elkland. This milestone marks 
the corner of the Towns of Tuscarora and WoodhuU in Steuben 
County, New York, and is set in hue between Milestones 99 and 
101. The original milestone had been washed out by floods, and 
was found in the village of Elkland. Oct. 5, 1882. 

Milestone 101 is a small monument in cleared land, south side of 
an orchard, 221^ feet East of a highway monument standing at the 
east side of tlie road from Osceola to Addison. Replaces the orig- 
inal milestone. Oct. 9, 1882. 

Milestone 102 is a small monument M'ith diagonal grooves, stand- 
ing in a thick growth of saplings on level ground, about 150 feet 
East of a clearing, about 900 f eet^West of tlie summit of a high ridge. 
This milestone is placed in line between Milestones 101 and 103, 
and marks the corner of the Towns of Osceola and Deerfield in 
Tioga County, Penn. The origina"" milestone was not found. Oct. 
9, 1882. 

Milestone 103 is a small monument in cleared land at the foot of 
a steep westerly slope, 240 feet East of a brook running south 
thronsh a piece of woods. Replaces the original milestone. Oct. 
■6, 1882. 



Ko. 71.] 237 

Milestone 10-i is a small monnment standing in a springy spot on 
an easterly slope, 568* feet West of a highway monument standing 
in the east side of the Holden Creek road. Keplaces the original 
monument. Oct. 6, 1882. 

Milestone 105 is a small monument standing in edge of thick bushy 
woods upon the north-east side of the summit of a nigh steep ridge. 
Replaces the original milestone. Oct. 10, 1882. 

Milestone 106 is a small monument standing in a wilderness of 
bushes and dead trees, N. 51° W. 21^ feet from a living hemlock 
tree, 21" diameter ; about 175 feet "West of a rough road through 
the woods. Replaces the original monument. Oct. 10, 1882. 

A small monument was placed upon the summit of a high ridge, 
1103^ feet West of Milestone 106, overlooking the Boundary over 
20 miles toward the east. Oct. 11, 1882. 

Milestone 107 is a small monument standing in partially cleared 
land about 50 feet South of the south edge of cultivated land and 
1046^ feet East of the South-west corner of the Town of Wood- 
hull. A fragment of the original milestone was found lying loosely 
upon the surface of the ground. Oct. 16, 1882. 

A highway monument was set at the east end of a road laid out 
upon the State Line, 16* feet East of the corner of the Towns of 
Woodhull and Troupsburg, in Steuben Co., X. Y. Sept. 19, 1883. 

The last three monuments were set in line between Milestones 
106 and 108. 

Milestone 108 is a small monument near the south-west corner of 
burnt woods upon a steep southerly slope, 1061 feet West of a high- 
way monument standing near the west end of a road laid out along 
the Line. Rephices the original milestone. Oct. 13, 1882. 

Milestone 109 is a small monument standing in cleared land at the 
west edge of the summit of a gravel bluff north of Troup's Creek 
at the village of Austinburg, 978 feet West of a highway monu- 
ment standing on the west side of the road leading from Austinburg 
to' Addison. Replaces the original milestone. Oct. 13, 1882. 

A highway monument is set in the south-westerly side of the 
Troup's Creek Road, 767^ feet West of the probable original posi- 
tion of the Fifth Latitude Stone (now in the channel of Troup's 
Creek) in line between that pohit and Milestone 110. The latitude 
of this monument as deduced from the Astronomical observations at 
Station Austinburg is 42° 00' 01".38. The center of the Station is 
12* feet West and 3"^ feet South from the center of this monu- 
ment. Oct. 18, 1882. 

Milestone 110 is a small monument standing on the southerly 
slope between two small knolls, spurs of the main bluff, 2141 feet 
West of the highway monument above described. Replaces the 
original milestone. Oct. 13, 1882. 

Milestone 111 is a small monument standing near the foot of a 
northerly slope of a high ridge bounding a semi-circular cove on the 
South, 251 feet East of the corner of lots 100 and 101 in the Town 



238 [Senate 

of Troupsburg, Steuben Co., N". Y., in line between Milestones 110 
and 112. The original milestone was not found. Oct. 18, 1882. 

Milestone 112 is a small monument standing at the south edge of 
open woods, at the north-east corner of a hickory grove, on nearly 
level land. Replaces the original milestone. Oct. 13, 1882. 

Milestone 113 is a small monument standing in the north edge of 
thick woods on a little knoll just south of a swampy brook, about 
174 feet West of the south-west corner of Lot 97 of the Town of 
Troupsburg, N. Y. Replaces the original milestone. Oct. 20, 1882. 

Milestone 114 is a small monument standing near the top of a 
south-easterly slope, about 56 feet West of the corner of Lots 94 and 
95 in the Town of Troupsburg, and 1528^feet East of a highway 
monument standing on the west side of the road leading north from 
Brookfield P. O. Replaces the old milestone. Oct. 20, 1882. 

Milestone 115 is a small monument with diagonal gi'ooves, stand- 
ing on a steep north-westerly slope, about 100 feet below the brow. 
It replaces the original milestone and marks the corner of the 
Counties of Tioga and Potter in Pennsylvania. Oct. 19, 1882. 

Milestone 116 is a small monument standing upon a steep westerly 
slope among upturned roots and fallen trees, about 500 feet East of a 
highway monument standing upon the west side of the road up the 
valley of the North Fork ol the Cowanesqua River. This milestone 
was set in an easterly prolongation of a line drawn from Milestone 
117 through the corner of the ToMms of Troupsburg and West 
Union in Steuben County, at a point 2S chains 60 links from this 
corner. This is the distance of the Township Corner from the 
milestone, given in the records of the surveys of the Phelps and 
Gorham Purchase. The original milestone had been pulled up and 
removed from its place. Oct. 21, 1882. 

A small monument was set at the Township Corner above referred 
to, replacing an old stake and stones. Oct. 25, 1882. 

Milestone 117 is a small monument standing upou a south-westerly 
slope in open woods, a short distance north-easterly from the west 
branch of the North Fork of the Cowanesqua River, about 200 feet 
east of a wood road and about 1301 feet East of highway monument 
standing upon the east side of a road opened and worked north of 
the Line. Oct. 24, 1882. 

Milestone 118 is a small monument standing in open woods upon 
a steep northerly slope about 25 feet from the top, near the broken 
stub of a huge hemlock, and about 400 feet East of the north-east 
corner of a new clearing. It is set in line between Milestones 117 
and 119. The original milestone was found lying loosely upon the 
surfece of the ground. Oct. 24, 1882. 

Milestone 119 is a small monument standing at the south side of 
a garden, among a few small scattering maples, about 70 feet South- 
west of a dwelling, and 174" feet West of a highway monument 
on the west side of the road north of White's Corners. It replaces 
the original milestone. Oct. 23, 1882. 

A small monument with diagonal grooves was set at the south- 



No. 71.] 239 

east corner of the Ellice Tract (the center line of Township 1 of 
Range 6 of the Phelps & Gorham Purchase) ; close to the west side 
of an oak stump, 4 feet in diameter ; 1253' ft. West of Milestone 
119 in line toward Milestone 120. Oct. 3, 1883. 

Milestone 120 is a small monument standing upon a short easterly 
slope, near the foot, north side of an open grove of beech and 
maple, and about 147 feet West of the south-west corner of Lot 8 of 
the Ellice Tract. Replaces the original milestone. Oct. 23, 1882. 

Milestone 121 is a small monument with diagonal grooves, stand- 
ing upon level cleared land on summit west of Rose Brook valley ; 
2538^ feet East of a highway monument standing upon the west side 
of a road. It replaces the original milestone, and marks the corner 
of the towns of Harrison and Bingham in Potter County, Penn- 
sylvania. The original milestone was set at the west side of the new 
monument. Sept. 28, 1883. 

Milestone 122 is a small monument in cleared land north side of 
a pole fence lined with briars, and about 12 feet East of the east end 
of a board fence, east of a shallow ravine. Replaces the original 
milestone. Sept. 28, 1883. 

A small monument with diagonal grooves was set in line between 
Milestones 122 and 124 to mark the Corner of the Counties of 
Steuben and A.llegany, N. York. It is upon level ground a short 
distance west of a low bluff sloping east, and was set 699° feet 
West (the distance given in the records of the Surveys of the Phelps 
and Gorham Purchase) from Milestone 122. Sept. 28, 1883. 

Allegany County, N. Y. 

'Milestone 123 is a small monument standing in cleared land upon 
a gentle westerly slope, 473 feet West of a highway monument 
standing upon the west side of the road south of the village of 
Spring Mills, N. Y. It is set in line between Milestones 122 and 
124. The original milestone had been pulled up and moved about. 
It was reset at the west side of the new one. Oct. 2, 1883. 

Milestone 124 is a small monument standing in a gap in a stone 
wall in a narrow clearing upon a high summit south-west of the Vil- 
lage of Spring Mills. Replaces the original milestone. Sept. 26, 1883. 

Milestone 125 is a small monument standing upon a south-westerly 
slope, N. side of cultivated land, North of the dwelling of M. D. 
Briggs. Replaces the original milestone which was reset at the 
west side of the new monument. The latter was mutilated, soon 
after it was set, by some malicious person, who evidently undertook 
to break it in pieces. Sept. 27, 1883. 

Milestone 126 is a highway monument standing upon the south 
side of a road which follows the line for about one-half mile, opposite 
the north-west corner of a barn belonging to, Theodore Potter. 
The original milestone having been removed in working the road, 
the new milestone was set in a westward prolongation of the line 
between Milestones 124 and 125. 4 Oct., 1883. 



240 [Senate 

Milestone 127 is a small monument with diagonal grooves, stand- 
ing upon the steep north-westerly slope south of the valley of 
Cryder Creek, in. thick woods, in the west side of a narrow windfall, 
15 feet north-west of a huge upturned hemlock root ; about 660 feet 
w^est of the brow of the slope. It replaces the original milestone 
and marks the corner of the towns of Bingham and Genesee, 
Potter County, Penn. 5 Oct., 1883. 

Milestone 128 is a small monument standing at the south-easterly 
corner of a partial clearing, upon a south-easterly slope of a gravel 
ridge east of the Genesee River ; 280 feet west of a small brook, 
and 525' feet West of a highway monument standing on the west 
side of the Cryder Creek road. Replaces the original monument. 
11 Oct., 1883. 

A highway monument standing on the westerly side of the stage 
road south of the village of Shongo, is 53" feet South and 74* feet 
East from the center of Astronomical Station Genesee Yalley. The 
latitude of this monument as deduced from the observations at the 
Station in 1879 is 41° 59' 57".76. 11 Oct., 1883. 

Milestpne 129 is a small monument standing upon a steep north- 
easterly slope covered with a wilderness of briars, fallen logs, tree 
tops and burnt timber, 1180' feet west of the highway monument 
above described. It is a little south-west of a clump of green beeches 
and maples, and replaces the original monument 8 Oct., 1883. 

Milestone 130 is a small monument standing upon a short 
northerly slope, surrounded by briars and fallen logs, about 150 feet 
south-east of a brook. It is 27^ feet west of Bryan McGinnis's 
south-west corner and 690 feet East of a highway monument stand- 
ing on the north-westerly side of the Irish Settlement road. 
Replaces the original milestone, which was reset at the west side of 
the new milestone. 10 Oct., 1883. 

Milestone 131 is a small monument standing in cultivated ground 
north side of tangled woods on a southerly slope. The original 
milestone was not found. The new milestone was placed in an 
easterly prolongation of a line drawn from Milestone 132 through 
the stump of an original " Line Tree " standing beside a road 1712 
feet West of 131. l3 Oct., 1883. 

Milestone 132 is a small monument standing in a small depression 
in open woods, about 75 feet South of a wood road, a short distance 
east of the east side of a clearing and 770 feet West of Ore Bed 
Creek. Replaces the original niilestone. 17 Oct., 1883. 

A highway monument in the road on the second summit west of 
Milestone 132, marks the corner of the Towns of Willing and Alma, 
Allegany Co., N. Y. 16 Oct., 1883. 

Milestone 133 is a small monument standing upon a steep westerly 
slope, 426' feet east of a highway monument upon the east side of 
a road in the bottom of the valley. It marks the Corner of the 
Towns of Genesee and Oswayo in Potter County, Pennsylvania. 
The original milestone had been plowed up and removed. 16 Oct., 
1883. 



No. 71.] 241 

The last two monuments were set in line between Milestones 132 
and 134. 

Milestone 134 is a small monument, standing upon the level 
top of a knoll between two shallow ravines of Redwater Creek, 
350 ± ft. West of a highway monument standing on the west side 
of the Wellsville and Coudersport Turnpike. Replaces the original 
milestone which was reset upon the west side of the new monument. 
15 Oct., 1883. 

Milestone 135 is a small monument standing on a gentle north- 
westerly slope in thick open woods. The timber immediatelv sur- 
rounding the milestone is mostly hard-wood. Replaces the original 
milestone. 15 Oct., 1883. 

Milestone 136 is a small monument in thick open woods on a 
steep north- westerly slope, close beside a large beech stump, 950 feet 
East of a brook in a deep ravine. Replaces the original milestone. 

19 Oct., 1883. 

Milestone 136|- is a small monument standing at the west edge of 
the original Sixth Latitude Stone, which was left standing in ])lace. 
In thick woods upon a steep north-easterly slope, about 480 feet West 
of the south branch of Crandall Creek. This monument was erro- 
neously marked by the stone-cutter " 136|- M." 19 Oct., 1883. 

Milestone 137 is a small monument standing in open woods, upon 
a north-easterly slope, about 50 feet from the foot of a steep pitch ; 
about 600 feet East of the summit of the mountain. Replaces the 
original monument. 19 Oct., 1883. 

Milestone 138 is a small monument standing in thick hemlock 
woods, on a steep we-^terly slope, about 250 feet West of the sum- 
mit of the ridge, 75 feet east of an abandoned road, and about 1173 
feet West of a higliwa}^ monument standing on the M-est side of the 
road south from Alma P. O. Replaces the original milestone 

20 Oct., 1883. 

A small monimient marked on the top with a A\ stands at the 
south side of the monument wdiich was set in 1798 to mark the 
south-east corner of the Polland Land Company's Purchase. The 
north edge of the new monument indicates the Line. L^pon a steep 
north-easterly slope, about 600 feet West of a deep ravine. This 
monument marks the corner of the Towns of Alma and Bolivar in 
Allegany County, N. Y. 23 Oct., 1883. 

Milestone 139 is a small monument upon a steep northerly slope 
in thick hemlock woods near the north-east corner of a slashing; 
directly south of the residence of S. C. Stratton, 1148* feet West of 
the preceding monument. The original monument was not found. 
The new milestone was placed in a westward prolongation of the line 
joining the two preceding monuments. 23 Oct., 1883. 

A small monument with diagonal grooves marks the Corner of the 

Towns of Oswayo and Sharon in Potter County, Penn. It is in the 

South edge of partially cleared (pasture) land, north of a rough i-oad 

which follows the line ; on a steep northerly slope 2710* ft. West of 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 31 



242 [Senate 

Milestone 139 ; 882 feet west of a brook in a deep ravine, and about 
614 feet East of the Sonth-west corner of Section 1, Township 1, 
Range 1, of the Holland Land Company's Purchase. This monu- 
ment was set in line between Milestones 139 and 140 at the point 
indicated by the stake set for the town line, by request of the 
County Commissioners. 16 May, 1884. 

Milestone 140 is a small monument standing in thick woods in 
swampy ground, at the foot of a steep northerly slope, south of 
Honeoye Creek. Heplaces an old stake identified as the corner of 
two Pennsylvania Land Districts, which was oriofinally marked by 
Milestone 140, wliich was not found. 782' feet West of a highway 
monument standing on the west side of a road leading to Hyatt's 
house. 16 May, 1884. 

A small monument is set upon the south-east edge of the Honeoye 
flats at the N. W. side of a flood-water channel of the Creek, in line 
between Milestones 140 and 141, 1485 feet East of Milestone 141. 
17 May, 1884. 

Milestone 141 is a small monument in the edge of wet ground 
upon the Honec^ye flats, 180 feet West of a lane leading to an aban- 
doned saw-mill, and 1148^ feet East of a highway monument stand- 
ing on the south-east side of the stage-road. The original milestone 
has never been known. The new monument was set in an easterly 
prolongation of a line drawn from Milestone 144 through an authen- 
tic New York Section Corner, west of 141. 16 May, 1884. 

Milestone 142 is a highway monument standing upon a bluff, west 
side of a road leading northerly from Goldsmith's Corners. The 
original milestone had been dug up in working the road and broken 
in pieces. 17 May, 1884. 

Milestone 143 is a small monument, standing upon a very steep 
southerly slope, upon the north-easterly side of a high rocky peak, 
east of Horse Run valley, surrounded by briars, logs, and dead 
bushes ; 173 feet West of a white oak 35 inches in diameter, and 
about due north from East Sharon school-house. The original mile- 
stone was found lying on the slope near the point at which the 
new milestone was set. 17 May, 1884. 

Milestones 142 and 143 were set in line between Milestones 14L 
and 144. 

Milestone 144 is a highway monument standing in the north line 
of the road which follows the line across Horse Run valley bottom, 
370 feet West of where the Run crosses the road. Replaces the 
original milestone. 27 Oct., 1883. 

Milestone 145 is a small monument, standing in a quick growth 
of saplings upon a steep south-westerly slope, surrounded by dead 
stubs and fallen trees ; 271 feet East of a highway monument on 
the east side of a road east side of Coon Brook valley. Rej)laces 
the original milestone. 15 May, 1884. 

A small monument with diagonal grooves marks the Corner of the 
Counties of Potter and McKean in Pennsylvania. It stands in 



No. 71.] 243 

thick woods 5' feet North of the north side of a large pine stump 
which has always been known as marking the County Corner ; on a 
steep north-westerly slope a shurt distance below the brow. It 
is 3592" feet West o'f Milestone 145, and 913' feet West of the North- 
east Corner of Penn., Warrant No. 4330. 19 May, 1884. 

Milestone 146 is a small monument standing in thick woods upon 
a steep westerly slope 575 feet East of a brook in the bottom of a 
deep valley. The oriOTual milestone had been pulled up and left 
lying beside a hemlocK tree near by. 19 May, 1884. 

Milestone 147 is a small monument standing in thick woods on a 
gentle southerly slope just west of a small spring brook and 9^ feet 
South of a huge Pine stump ; about a quarter of a mile east of the 
brow of a north-westerly slope toward the Little Genesee Creek. 
The original milestone was not found. 21 May, 1884. 

A monument of ordinary stone marks the Corner of Sections 25 
and 33 in Township 1 of liange 2 of the Holland Land Company's 
Purchase (N. Y.). It stands in the open field upon bottom land 
about 530 feet west of the Little Genesee Creek. The top, marked' 
" L 25 '' and " L 33 ", has been broken off, but lies beside it. 

The last four monuments are in line between Milestones 145 and 
148. 

Milestone 148 is a small monument standing In open woods upon 
flat wet ground north-east of the Oswayo River ; 3" feet North-west 
from a white pine, 24 inches in diameter. The original milestone 
never was found. The new monument is set in a westerly prolonga- 
tion of a line drawn from Milestone 145 through the Section Corner 
above described and 14 chains 13 links West of the latter point 
(14.10 Cli. is the distance to the 148 mile tree, given in the Records 
of the surveys of the Holland Land Company's Purchase). 21 
May, 1884. 

Milestone 149 is a highway monument standing in the south line 
of Main street in Ceres, opposite the school-house, and 105 feet West 
of the north-west corner of the Cemetery. It is 106.9 feet West and 
56" feet South from the center of Astronomical Station Ceres. The 
latitude of the milestone, deduced from the observations at this Sta- 
tion, is 4L° 59' 58". 66. The original milestone has never been known. 
This milestone was set in a line drawn from 148 through a point 8 
feet north of the north face of the foundation of the Church in 
Ceres. 19 May, 1884. 

Milestone 150 is a small monument standing in rough wet ground, 
in a thick growth of saplings in the north edge of thick woods upon 
the Oswayo flats, about midway of a narrow clearing north of the 
line, about 275 feet East of tlie Corner of Sections 49 and 57 in 
Township 1, Range 2, of the Holland Land Company's Purchase 
(N. Y.). The original milestone M^as not found. The new milestone 
was set in a easterly prolongation of a line drawn from Milestone 151 
through an elm tree marked for a Pennsvlvania Subdivision Corner 
ia87'feet West of 150. 21 May, 1884. ' 



244 [Senate 

A small monument was set upon the Oswajo flats, 40 feet "West of 
the left bank of the Iliver. 22 May, 1884. 

A small monument with diagonal grooves, marks the Corner of the 
Counties of Allegany and Cattaraugus in New York. It stands 
in low wet ground, among scattered trees, about 1043 feet East of 
Milestone 151, and about 200 feet east of a bayou or flood-water 
channel of the Oswayo Kiver. The longitudinal position of this 
monument was fixed by measurement from the original witness trees 
indicated in the records of Surv^eys of the Holland Land Purchase, 
One of these trees, an elm (N. E.), is still vigorous.* 22 May, 1884. 

The last two monuments are set iu line between Milestones 150 
and 151. 

Cattaeaugtjs County, K. Y. 

Milestone 151 is a small monument standing in open woods about 
30 ft. South-west of the left bank of the Oswayo River. Replaces 
the original milestone. 22 May, 1884. 

Milestone 152 is a small monument standing in open scattered 
woods, just west of a tract of burnt timber. Upon a steep northerly 
slope at the easterly side of a cove; 850 ft. E. of the summit of the 
high ridge between the valleys of the 0.swayo and the Allegany. 
Replaces the oi'iginal milestone. 5 May, 1884. 

Milestone 153 is a small monument standing in a narrow dyke be- 
tween the Allegany River and a slough or flood- water channel, a few 
feet South-west of a boom house, and 36 ft. West of a dead hem- 
lock (an old line tree) standing on the edge of the left hank of the 
River. This monument stands a few feet west of the probable site 
of the original milestone, which was found lying upon the ground 
near by. 28 May, 1884. 

Milestone 154 is a small monument standing in thick woods near 
the south-west corner of a hemlock slashing, about 50 feet West of a 
wood road and 28 feet East of a small run in the bottom of a deep 
valley, about 75 feet above (north of) where it is joined by a brook 
from the north-east. Replaces the original milestone. 29 May, 1884. 

A small monument with diagonal grooves marks the comer of the 
Towns of Portville and Olean in Cattaraugus County. It stands 
upon a gentle slope east in a tangled mass of briars, bushes, logs, and 
tree tops about 300 feet East of Loup's Creek and 1190° feet East of 
Milestone 155. Its longitudinal position was fixed by measuring the 
distance from 155 given in the Records of the surveys of the Hol- 
land Land Company. The monument set by this company to mark 
this ])oint was abstracted 40 years ago or more.f 29 May, 1884. 

*2i3me Post. Elm, 6"d., X. 51 E 21 linlis ; Hickory, 10' d., N. 29 W. C6 
links; Maple 21" d. S. 53 E. 34 linka The stump of the hickory yet remains. 
In 1877 it was a tall stub upon which the marks were quite distinct. 

t" Large st(me 28 miles west of Phelps and Gorham's south-west corner, marked 
east side ' W. & J. Willink. S. W. Cor.', west side H. L. Co. Beg.'" James 
Bperry iu his re-survey of Section 1 in Township 1, Range 4, in 1847 makes no 
mention of this stone. 



No. 71.] 245 

Milestone 155 is a small monument standing in thick open woods, 
upon a very steep easterly slope 660 ft. East of the summit of the 
mountain west of Loup's Creek valley. Replaces the original mile- 
stone. 29 May, 1884. 

Milestone 156 is a small monument standing in a wet spot upon a 
steep westerly slope, about 700 feet East of Meek's Creek and 845 
feet East of a highway monument standing upon the east side of the 
Meek's Creek road. Replaces the original milestone. 31 May, 1884. 

Milestone 157 is a small monument standing upon a narrow ter- 
race in thick open woods, about 175 feet North-east of an oil derrick 
and 225 feet East of the summit of the high ridge between Meek's 
and Indian Creeks : general slope quite steep north-easterly. Re- 
places the original milestone. 2 June, 1884. 

Milestone 158 is a small monument standing in open woods upon 
a bhiff, steep south-easterly slope to a biook in a ravine, flowing E. 
N. E. about 60 feet distant; about 1200 feet West of the :N~orth 
branch of Indian Creek and 1593 feet West of a highway monument 
standing upon the east side of the telegraph road. The original 
milestone was found lying upon the surface of the ground. The 
new monument is set in line between Milestones 157 and 159. 
7 June, 1884. 

A small monument with diagonal grooves marks the corner of 
the Towns of Eldred and Otto in McKean County, Penn. It was 
set in line between Milestones 157 and 159 opposite the old War- 
rant Corner stake, near the top of a bluff on a steep easterly slope, 
south of thick woods, 222 feet West of a highway monument stand- 
ing upon the east side of a road north of the hamlet of Wigwam. 
7 June, 1884. 

Milestone 159 is a small moniiincnt standing in thick woods on a 
southerly slope, 15^ feet East of a Spring brook, and 1752° feet 
East of a highway monument on the south-westerly side of the 
Indian Ci'cek road. Replaces the original milestone. 7 June, 1884. 

Milestone 160 is a small monument standing in thick woods upon 
a steep north-easterly slojie ; directly south of Derrick No. 9, of the 
Bradford Oil Company, about 700 feet East of an immense rock 
near the summit of the ridge, and 1338 feet East of a highway 
monument standing on the north-easterly side of a road on the sum- 
mit of the ridge south-west of Indian Creek. This milestone is set 
in a westerly prolongation of the line between Milestones 157 and. 
159, O])posite the j3robable corner of two Fennsylvania Land Dis- 
tricts. The original milestone had been pulled up and moved. 
9 June, 1884. 

Milestone 161 is a small monument standing upon a steep westerly 
slope, cleared for oil purposes and partially burned over, surrounded 
by bushes, stumps, and logs; 93** feet west of a highway monument 
standing upon the east side of the road leading from Knapp's Creek 
Station to Duke Center, and about 275 feet east of the middle 
branch of Knapp's Creek. Replaces the original milestone. 12 June, 
1884. 



246 [Senate 

Milestone 162 is a small monument, standing in woods and bushes 
upon a steep southerly slope about 12.3 feet north-easterly from Der- 
rick No. 5 of the Union Oil Compan)-, and about 490 feet West of 
Pembroke liun. Replaces the orig-inal milestone. 13 June. 1884. 

A small monument with diagonal grooves inarks the corner of the 
Towns of Otto and Bradford in McKean County, Penn. It stands 
upon a steep rocky, southerly slope which is covered with bushes, 
fallen trees, and logs: 2354 feet AVest of Milestone 162, and about 
300 feet west of the head of a valley which trends S. W. 14 June, 
1884. 

Milestone 163 is a small monument standing in open woods, upon 
level ground, south-east side of the summit of the ridge west of the 
head of Chipmunk Run, about 200 feet South of the fourth Der- 
rick of the Enterprise Transit Oil Co. Replaces the original mile- 
stone. 14 June, 1884, 

Milestone 164 is a small monument standing in an open space in 
the woods, cleared for a log skidway, upon a gentle slope south-east, 
about 50 feet north of a timber tramway, about 450 feet north-easterly 
from where the tramway crosses Harrisburg Run, T chains 79 links 
(Records of Survej'S of Holland Land Company's Purchase) east of 
the south-west corner of Lot 1, Section 13, of Township 1, Range 
5. Replaces original milestone. 24 June, 1884. 

Milestone 165 is a small monument standing in thick o]>en woods 
upon a narrow terrace upon a steep westerly slope, 883 feet West of 
the S. E. Corner of Carrolton in Cattaraugus Co., which is upon the 
west side of the summit of the high ridge between Harrisburg Run 
and State Line Run. Replaces the original milestone. 21 June, 
1884. 

Milestone 166 is a highway monument standing in a narrow open- 
ing (cut for a skidway) in thick woods near the south-east side of 
State Line Run road, which is little used ; 166 feet East of a small 
brook. The original milestone waf not found. The new monu- 
ment was placed in line betM^een Milestone 165 and the Seventh 
Latitude Stone. 21 June, 1884. 

Milestone 167 is a small monument standing upon the Tuna Flats, 
south-east side of a narrow slough ; about 200 feet East of Tunaun- 
guant Creek ; about 139 feet West of a railroad monument standing 
at the east side of the track of the Bradford Branch of the N. Y., 
L. E., & W., R. R., and about 15 feet North of iron oil tank No. 506, 
United Pipe Lines. The original milestone had been pulled up and 
moved. The new monument was placed in line between Milestone 
165 and the Seventh Latitude Stone, 528 feet east of the latter. 
20 June, 1884. 

Milestone 167y*ij- ^^ ^ small monument upon the Tuna Flats, at the 

east edge of the original Seventh Latitude Stone, which was left 

■ standing in place, a short distance north-east of iron oil tank No. 

637, United Pipe Lines, about 250 feet West of Tuuaunguant 

Creek. The new monument is 8'' ft. South and 0"^ ft. East from the 



No. 71.] 247 

center of AstronoiTiical Station Tuna Yalle}', and its Latitude as de- 
duced from the observations at this Station is 42° 00' 04". 09. A 
deflection in the Boundary to the south, of 1° 41' occurs at this 
monument. 17 June, 1884. 

Milestone 168 is a small monument standing upon a little knoll 
upon a steep IS orth-easterly slope westtside of the head of a cove in 
the mountain, about 200 feet west of a brook, and about 525 feet East 
of the narrow summit of the hit^h ridge west of the Tuna Valley. 
Rei)lacesthe original milestone. 26 June, 1884. 

Milestone 169 is a small monument standing upon a gentle west- 
erly slope in thick open woods north-east side of the head of a valley 
opening out upon Bolivar Brook ; about 865 feet West of the west 
side of the summit of the main ridge. The original milestone was 
not found. 2 July, 1884. 

Milestone 170 is a small monument standing in a partially cleared 
space in thick woods, upon a very steep easterly slope, about 600 
feet west of Bolivar Brook ; 485 feet East of a small monument 
with diagonal grooves which marks the corner of Sections 54 and 66 
in Township 1, Range 6, Holland Land Company's Purchase,* (the 
distance given in the record of the Surveys of the H. L. Co., is 495 
feet but it was found impracticable to set the milestone there on 
account of upturned roots,) and 109s^ feet West of a highway monu- 
ment standing upon the east side of the Bolivar Brook lioad. The 
original milestone was not found. 1 July, 1884. 

A small monument Avith diagonal grooves was set at the south end 
of the "Western Transit Meridian" of the Holland Land Co. Pur- 
chase, opposite the original transit monument, which was reset at the 
North side of the new monument. It stands in thick open woods 
upon a gentle northerly slope, about 20 feet South of a wood road, 
and marks the corner of the Towns of Carrolton and lied House in 
Cattaraugus County, N. Y. 30 June, 1884. 

The last three monuments were set in line between Milestones 
168 aud 171. 

Milestone 171 is a small monument standing upon level ground in 
thick open woods (beech & maple) 548* feet West of the " Transit 
Monument." Replaces the original milestone. 30 June, 1884. 

Milestone 172 is a small monument standing in thick open woods 
upon a gentle south-easterly slope, about 50 feet north-westerly from 
brow of slope South-east to Bennett Brook, and 800 feet East of a 
highway monument standing on the north-easterly side of the old 
Bradford Trail. Replaces the original milestone. 3 July, 1884. 

A small monument with diagonal grooves was set in line between 
Milestone 172 and 173 to replace the original monument set by the 
Holland Land Company to mark the south-west corner of the " Wil- 
link Strip." Upon level ground iu thick woods, surrounded by old 
fallen logs and upturned roots, about 60 feet South of the old JBrad- 

* " Beech 6'd. N. 21" W. 33 links ; Beech 9"d. N. 24° E. 30 links." Both these 
witness trees yet remain. 



248 [Senate 

ford Trail, and 1539 feet West of Milestone 172. The original 
monument was reset at the north side of the new one. 3 July, 18S4. 

Milestone 173 is a small monument standing in thick hendock 
woods, upon level ground covered thickly witli mossy rocks. South- 
west of a gentle slope toward Ked House Creek ; about 2000 feet 
south-westerly from an abandoned lumber camp on Red House Creek 
known as '' Cass Dii ell's old Shanties." Replaces the original mile- 
stone. 7 July, 1884. 

A small monument marked " 3 M. P." was set in the place of the 
3 mile post upon the south Jme of Township 1, Rantre7, of the Hol- 
land Land Company's Purchase, which was located by measurement 
from the 3 original witness trees noted in tiie Records of the Sur- 
veys of the H. L. Co.* In thick open woods, upon a steep northerly 
slope, surrounded by rocks; about 10 feet west of a small spring 
brook ; about 260 feet west of the corner of Sections 25 and 33 of 
Township 1, Range 7. 9 July, 1884. 

Milestone 174 is a. small monument standing in tliick, open, mossy 
woods, upon a slope northerly toward Quaker Run ; about 000 feet 
E. of the easterly brow of sunmiit which the Boundary intersects 
quite diagonally, and about 1052 feet. west of the 3 M. P. monu- 
ment. The original milestone was found lymg upon the surface of 
the ground. The new monument was placed in line with Mile- 
stones 173 and the 3 M. P. monument. 9 July, 1884. 

Milestone 175 is a small monument standmg in thick open woods 
upon a steep southerly slope near the foot and about 100 feet west 
of a w^indfall ; 1555"^ feet East of a highway monument standing on 
the southerly side of a trail from Quaker Run to Pi-adford, and 
about 1072 feet East of the corner of Sections 41 and 49 Township 
1, Range 7, II. L. Go's Purchase. Replaces the original milestone. 
9 July; 1884. 

Milestone 176 is a small monument standing in thick woods upon 
a steep southerly slope, about 300 feet South of the summit of the 
ridge, and about ^ mile west of brow of slope where it intersects 
the Boundary ; 268 feet West of the S. E. corner of Section 57 in 
Township 1, Range 7, (Holland Land Company's Purchase). Re- 
places the original milestone. 12 July, 1884. 

A small monument w^as set at the 5^ mile post on the south line 
of Township 1, Range 7, in line between Milestones 176 and 177 at 
a point identified by means of the original witness trees.f It is in 
thick bushy woods, on a narrow terrace of a steep south-westerly 
slope, about 200 feet above the foot of the slope, 1411 feet West of 
Milestone 176. 12 July, 1884. 

Milestone 177 is a small monument standing in the north edge of 
thick woods near a ])artial clearing about 125 feet west of the north- 
west corner of a cleared field and 455' feet ^7est of a highway 

* "3 Miles. Sugar Post: Beech 20' d. S SS'' W. 45 links: Birch lO'd. N 35*=" E. 
7 links: Hemlock 20' d. S 30° E. 45 links " 

f " 54r miles. White Ash Post; Hemlock 24" d. N 15° W., 11 links; Sugar 26' d. 
S 12° VV., 10 links." 



No. 71.] 249 

monument standing npon the west side of the road np the sonth 
branch of Quaker E.un. The ori^jinal milestone was not found. 
The new monument is set in an eastward prolongation of a line 
drawn from Milestone 178 through the monument at the south-west 
corner of the Town of Red House. 10 July, 1884. 

A small monument with diagonal grooves marks the corner be- 
tween the towns of Red House and South Valley. It stands in 
open woods, upon a short steep northerly slope, south side of a nar- 
row ravine, about 10 feet soutli of a brook running west ; 2753" feet 
East of Milestone 178, and about 000 feet west of the summit of 
the ridge west of Milestone 177. The position was fixed by 
measurement from two of the original witness trees, which are still 
standing.* 10 July, 1884. 

Milestone 178 is a small monument standing in the north edge 
of a burned slashing, covered with fallen trees and bushes, south of 
thick open woods ; upon a north-easterly slope 330 feet east of the 
summit of ridge east of the valley of Wolf Run, 1G7 feet West of 
a large mapfe standing upon the brow of a very steep north-easterly 
slope ; and 1170 feet West of the west branch of Quaker Run. Re- 
places the original milestone. 10 July, 1884. 

Milestone 179 is a small monument standing in thick open woods 
upon level ground upon the north bank of a shallow ravine, about 200 
feet East of Wolf Run and 9' 8 feet East of a highway monument 
standing on the south-west side of the Wolf Run road. Replaces 
the oi'iginal milestone. 11 July, 1884. 

Milestone 180 is a small monument standing in thick open woods 
on a steep north-westerly slope, Q6 feet east of a brook (branch of 
Wolf Run) m a deep ravine. Replaces the original milestone. 
11 July, 1884. 

JMilcstone 181 is a small monument standing south side of a large 
Oak log in thick open young woods, (principally oak and chestnut,) 
on a gentle south-westerly slope, about 200 feet north from the north- 
west corner of a clearing which has grown up to bushes, overlook- 
ing the valley of a branch of Willow Ci'eek ; and 1000 feet East of the 
brow of a steep north-westerly slope. Replaces the original mile- 
stone. 15 July, 1884. 

Milestone 182 is a small monument standing in a small opening 
in thin bushy woods on a steep southerly slope north of Willow 
Creek valley, 1742 feet East of a l)rook in a deep ravine, and about 
300 feet west of the summit of the ridge. Replaces the original 
milestone. 15 July, 1884. 

A small monument with diagonal grooves marks the corner of 
the Counties of McKean and Warren in Pennsylvania. It stands 
upon a south-westerly slope in thiu bushy woods, 297 feet West of 
Milestone 182, in hue toward 183, opposite the position of a large 

* "6 mile post. Su^ar 20"d. N. 82i°K, 56 links; Birch 15"d. N. Gl° W., 40 
links." [H. L. Co. Survey of Township 1 Range 8]. The later survey of Section 
1 in that Township gives an additional witness, "Beech 14"d., N. 46"^ W., 77 
links." The Sugar and Beech yet remain. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 32 



250 [Senate 

stake surrounded by a pile of stones, set by the County Line Com- 
mission in 1873. 15 July, 1884. 

Milestone 183 is a small monument standing upon level ground in 
a small opening in woods north side of a grove of pine and oak, 
between two brooks, branches of Willow Creek, about 800 feet East 
of the west edge of the woods. Replaces the original milestone. 
16 July, 1884. 

An iron Monument set by the U. S. Commission in 1878 or 1879, 
to mark the S. E. corner of the Allegany Indian Reservation, stand- 
ing in the center of the Road, 1783" feet West of Milestone 183, 
is U^° ft. too far south. 

Milestone 184 is a small monument standing upon nearly level 
ground, in an open field east of the Allegany River, and 590"^ feet 
East of a highway monument standing in the east side of the River 
Road. Replaces a monument set in 1873 by the McKean and War- 
ren County Line Commission, and is 4" feet South and 0^' ft. east 
from the center of Astronomical Station Corydon. Its latitude, as 
deduced from the observations at the Station in 1879, is 4i° 59' 59". 5. 
16 July, 1884. 

Milestone 185 is a small monument standing in a small clear spot 
in a bushy pasture, South of thick woods, upon a north-easterly 
slope. South of State Line Run, 290 feet West of a small brook in a 
shallow ravine. The original milestone had been pulled up and left 
lying upon the ground. The new monument was set in a westward 
prolongation of the line between Milestones 183 and 184, 294* feet 
East (the distance given in the Records of Surveys of tho Holland 
Land Company) from the south-west corner of the Allegany Indian 
Reservation. 22 July, 1884. 

The latter comer is marked by a monument of the highway pat- 
tern, which is set opposite the point at which an iron monument was 
temporarily placed by the U. S. Con?mission in 1878 or 1879. The 
iron monument was reset at the north side of the granite monument. 
Upon a gentle easterly slope in a thick growth of briars, south side 
of a large hemlock stump, just south of the brow of a steep north- 
erly slope toward State Line Run. 22 July, 1884. 

Milestone 186 is a highway monument standing upon the north- 
westerly side of the State Line Run road, about 50 feet north of 
State Line Run. The original monument had been pulled up and 
left lying upon the surface of the ground. 22 July, 1884. 

Milestone 187 is a small monument standing upon a southerly 

slope in woods grown up to bushes, north side of an upturned root, 

and about 50 feet cast of a wood road. The original milestone had 

been thrown out, probably by the upturning of the roots of a tree. 

' 24 July, 1884. 

The last three monuments are set in line between Milestones 185 
and 188. 

Milestone 188 is a highway monument standing in thick woods, 
upon a gentle south-easterly- slope, surrounded by fragments of rock, 



m. 71.] 251 

about 50 feet north of an abandoned road, and 450 feet east of State 
Line Run below an old bridge, and 1014 feet West of a highway 
monument standing in a sJiallow I'avine marking the corner of Sec- 
tions 34 and 49 of Township 1, Range 9, of the Holland Land 
Company's Purchase. Replaces the original milestone. 21 Julv, 
1884. 

A small monument in line between Milestones 188 and 189 marks 
the corner of the Towns of Elk and Pine Grove in Warren County, 
Penn. It stands in the open field upon the east side of the summit 
of Robbins' Hill, 292' feet East of a highway monument standing 
upon the east side of the road on the summit. It is set opposite the 
stake placed in 1881, by order of the County Cominiscioners, to 
mark the To"wn Corner. 4 Aug., 1 884. 

Milestone 18'J is a small monument standing in thick tangled 
woods on a steep westerly slope, about 330 feet M'cst of the west 
edge of a clearing, and 730' feet west of the highway monument 
standing upon the east side of the Road upon the summit of Rob- 
bin's Hill. Replaces the original milestone. 4 Aug., 1884. 

A highway monument marks the corner of Catfaraugus and 
Chautauqua Counties in New York. It stands at the southwest- 
erly corner of bushy woods, at the soutli end of a road laid out on 
the County Line but not opened. 1380' feet West of Milestone 189 
and 982'^ feet East of a highway monument standing U]ion the west 
side of a road. It is set oj)posite the stake set by O. D. Hinckley 
from the remains of the original witness trees* in 1870, and in line 
between Milestones 189 and 191. 5 Au^., 1884. 



ov 



Chautauqua Countf, N, Y. 

Milestone 190 is a small monument upon nearly level land covered 
with briars and fallen logs, about 200 feet north of a clearing, at the 
south side of a gully, about 15 feet south of the north branch of a 
brook running west. Opposite the point where the original mile- 
stone is said to have stood when it was broken down by a falling 
tree; in line between Milestones 189 and 191. 5 Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 191 is a small monument standing in cleared land north 
of a piece of woods upon an easterly slope, about 1365 feet West of 
a highway monument making the corner of Sections 9 and 17 in 
Townshij) 1, Range 10, of the Holland Land Co., Purchase, standing 
east side of the road in the valley of Storehouse Brook. The mile- 
stone is set in an eastwardly prolongation of the line from Milestone 
192 through the 4 M. P. monument. The original milestone has 
been plowed up and moved about. 6 Aug., 1884. 

A small monument replaces the stake set in 1870 by O. D. Hinck- 
ley by measurement from the original witness trees to mark the 4 
mile post upon the south line of Township 1, Range 10, of the Hol- 

*"QMile Post; W., pine, 30' d. N. G'^ E. 45 links ; Poplar, 24" d. N.77° W. 4 
links." Botii are now gone. One was standing in 1870. 



252 [Senate 

land Land Co., Purchase.* It stands upon a steep bluff west side 
of a deep raviue, about 100 feet west of a brook, and 1107'^ feet 
west of Milestone 191. 6 Aug., 1864. 

Milestone 192 is a small monument standing in an open chestnut 
grove, South side of thick woods, ou a westerly slope, south-east side 
of a small ravine, and 395 feet west of the summit of a ridge west 
side of a deep ravine. Keplaces the original milestone. 6 Aug., 
1884. _ _ . 

Milestone 103 is a small monument standing upon a narrow gravel 
ridge between two swamps in the Conewango Flats, 5600 feet West 
of Milestone 192 and about 2200 feet east of the Conewatigo River. 
The original milestone was nut found. 6 Aug., 1884. 

A small monument stands upon the left bank of the Conewango 
River. 7 Aug., 1884. 

The last two monuments are in line between Milestones 192 and 
194. 

Milestone 194 is a small monument standing in the edge of thick 
woods, against the east side of a large sandstone monument set by 
A. T. Prendergast in 1871, west side of a road, about 3575 feet West 
of the Conewango River. T Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 195 is a small monument with diagonal grooves, stand- 
ing in nearly level cleared land, east side of a shallow ravine, and 
367* ft. East of a Highway monument on the west side of the road 
leading from Kiantone to Pine Grove. It marks the corner of the 
Towns of Pine Grove and Farmington in VVairen Co., Penn., and 
is set in line between Milestone 194 and the Eighth Latitude Stone, 
660 feet East of the latter. The original milestone was found lying 
upon the surface of the ground broken in pieces. 11 Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 195|- is a small monument set at the east edge of the 
original Eighth Latitude Stone which was left standing in place. 
It is in the north edge of thick woods, at the west brow of a narrow 
ravine. T Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 196 is a small monument standing upon a gentle north- 
erly slope, north side of thick woods, 2-12 feet East of the south- 
west corner of a clearing. The original milestone was found lying 
upon the surface several rods South. 13 Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 197 is a highway monument standing upon a gentle 
slope north, 30 feet East of a road. In cultivated land. The origi- 
nal milestone was found in a stone pile near by. 13 Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 198 is a small monument standing upon level land, 
north side of a clearing, in the edge of woods, 705^ feet West of a 
highway monument standing upon the east side of the road upon 
the Town line of Kiantone and Busti in Chautauqua Co., N. Y.' 
The original milestone was not found. 13 Aug., 1884. 

The last three milestones are sot in a line drawn from the Eighth 
Latitude Stone west through the 2|- M. P. monument. 

*" 4 mile post; chestnut 8" d. N 60° E., 11 links. White oak 18" d. N 42° W.' 
7 links." The chestnut was standing in 1870. 



No. 71.] 253 

A small monument replaces the stake set in 1870 by O. D. Hinck- 
ley by measurement from the original witness tree,,* to mark the 2^ 
Mile Post upon the south line of Township 1, Range 11, of the Hol- 
land Land Company's Purchase. It is in open woods, upon a west- 
erly slope, about 3U0 feet west of the summit of the ridge and 2475 
feet West of Milestone 198. 14 Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 199 is a highway monument standing upon the west 
side of a road near the head of York Run. The original milestone 
was not found. The new monument is set in a westward prolonga- 
tion of the line from the Eighth Latitude Stone to the 2^ M. P. 
monument, and at the distance from the latter given in the Field 
Notes of the Holland Land Company's Surveys for tlie position of 
the " Beech tree, 199." 14 Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 200 is a small monument standing at the south edge of 
woods, upon a southerly slope, north of a ravine, at the corner of 
two Pennsylvania farms, which is also the corner of Penn., War- 
rants No. 242 and 291 ; about 100 feet East of the head of a lono- 
westerly slope. Replaces the original milestone. 13 Aug., 1884. 

A small monument marks the corner of the Towns of Farmington 
and Sugar Grove in Wai-ren Co., Penn. It was set opposite a stake 
set in 1881, by order of the County Commissioners, to mark the Town 
line. It is upon level ground, in a little cove in a low bluff, which 
slopes south, about 13 ft. south of the foot of tlie slope; about G50 
feet west of a brook flowing north-westerly and 2620^ feet West of 
Milestone 200. 22 Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 201 is a highway monument standing at the west side of 
the road east of Stillwater Creek. The original monument had been 
pulled up and used in blocking up a I'ail fence corner. 10 Aug. ,1884. 

Milestone 202 is a small monument standing in an open field north 
of a garden and orchard, upon an easterly slo]ie, 211'^ feet West of a 
highway monument standing at the north-west side of the stage road 
leading from Jamestown to Sugar Grove. The original milestone 
was not found. 16 Aug., 1884. 

Tlie last three monuments were set in line between Milestones 200 
and 203. 

Milestone 203 is a small monument standing in thick woods, upon 
nearly level ground, at the corner of Pennsylvania AVarrants No. 289 
and 214, and 20^ feet West of the south-east corner of J. Bos we IPs 
farm; about 500 feet east of a brook in a deep ravine. Replaces the 
original milestone. 18 Aug., 1884. 

A highway monument standing upon the east side of the road north 
from the village of Sugar Grove, 2U83 feet West of Milestone 203 in 
line toward 204, is 7"" feet West and 23" feet North from the center 
of Astronomical Station Sugar Grove. The Latitude of this monu- 
ment as deduced from the observations at the Station in 1879 is 
41° 59' 59".07. 21 Aug., 1884. 

* " 40 Chain Post : Beech 7" d. N 22° E. 10 links. Beech 12" d. N 58° W. 39 
links." Both are now gone. The west witness was standing in 1870. 



254 [Senate 

Milestone 204 is a small monument standing at the edge of thick 
open woods about 15 feet East of the south-west corner of a clearing, 
and at the corner of Pennsylvania Warrants No. 244 and 243 ; about 
75 feet East of a brook flowing north in a shallow ravine. Replaces 
the origuial milestone. 18 Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 205 is a small monument standing upon a gentle west- 
erly slope in open woods, about 360 feet west from a brook flowing 
southerly in a shallow ravine, and about 2404 feet West of a highway 
monument standino; at the east side of a road leadino- north-west from 
Sugar Grove to Ashville. Replaces a sleigh-shoe which for a long 
time has marked the corner of Pennsylvania Warrants No. 243 and 
193, the probable position of the original milestone, which was never 
known. 20 Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 206 is a small monument with diagonal grooves standing 
in cleared (pasture) land north of a thin piece of woods, upon an 
easterly slope, about 50 feet East of the brow ; 1520 feet West of a 
highway monument standing at the east end of a short jog in the 
road crossing the line. The original milestone was never known. 
Tlie new monument is set in line between Milestones 205 and 207, 
opposite the stake set in 18SI, by order of the County Commissioners, 
to mark the line between the Towns of Sugar Grove and Freehold 
in Warren County, Pennsylvania. 20 Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 207 is a small monument standing at the north-west cor- 
ner of a triangular piece of woods^ upon nearly level ground, 400^ 
feet west of a highway monument standing upon the east side of the 
road upon the line between Ranges 13 and 14 of the Holland Land 
Company's Purchase. Replaces the remains of three stakes of various 
ages, which have for years marked the corner of Pennsylvania War- 
rants No. 192 and 187. The original milestone was never known. 
22 Aug., 1884. 

Milestone 208 is a small monument standing in open woods upon 
nearly level ground, about 10 feet west of the top or a low bluff, the 
w^est bank of a hollow ravine ; about 45 feet West of Deer Lick Creek, 
and 462 feet East of same Creek where it again crosses the Boundary 
flowing south-westerly. Replaces the original milestone. 25 Aug., 
1884. 

Milestone 209 is a small monument standing upon level partially 
cleared ground, about 50 feet west of the right bank of the Little 
Brokenstraw Creek. An original milestone was never known. 17 
Sept., 1884. 

Milestone 210 is a small monument standing in an open space in 
woods upon a low knoll, in a swamp, 986' feet West of a small 
monument at the north-west side of the track of the N.Y., P. & O. 
R. R. The original milestone is unknown. The new monument 
was set opposite a stake which marked the corner of Pennsylvania 
Warrants No. 103 and 104. 15 Sept., 1884. 

Milestone 211 is a small monument standing in cleared land at the 
north end of a lence which indicates the line between Pennsylvania 



No. 71.] 255 

"Warrants 103 and 392, on a south-westerly slope, about 150 feet east 
ot" a brook in a shallow ravine. An ori<;inal milestone was unknown. 
15 Sept., 18S4. 

The last three milestones were set in a hue drawn from Milestone 
208 through a stake set in 1S70 from tlie remains of tiie original wit- 
nesses by O. D. Hinckley, to mark the position of the 3 Mile Post 
upon the sonth line of Township 1, Kange 13, of the Holland Land 
Company's Purchase* (402' feet East of Milestone 210). 

A large boulder with a cross upon its top, in line between Milestones 
211 and 212, marks the line between sections 41 and 49 in Township 
1, Range 13, of the Holland Land Company's Purchase. It stands in 
cleared land upon the summit north-east of the village of Bear Lake. 
Reset 17 Sept., 1884. 

Milestone 212 is a eraall monument with diagonal grooves, stand- 
ing on nearly level ground in woods, near the north-east corner of a 
partial clearing, about 750 feet east of a brook, and about 1017 feet 
West of a highway monument standing at the east side of the road 
leading north from the west e'ld of the villao;e of Bear Lake. Re- 
places a stake and stones set to mark the corner of the towns of 
Freehold and Columbus in "Warren County, Pennsylvania. An 
original milestone was unknown. 17 Sept., 1SS4. 

Milestone 213 is a small monument standing in cultivated land 
upon a gentle westerly sloj)e, about 738 feet -west of a highway 
monument standing at the east side of the road which follows the 
line between the Towns of Harmony and Clymer in Chautauqua Co., 
New York. 18 Sept., 1884. 

Milestone 214 is a highway monuinent standing upon level cleared 
land, covered with clumps of bushes and briai-s ; north side of a road 
which follows tlie State Line; about 80 feet West of a wet swail, 
and 458* feet East of a highway monument standing at the inter- 
section of State Line Road with a road leading South-westerly toward 
Columbus. 16 Sept., 84. 

The last two milestones are set in line between Milestones 212 
and 215. 

Milestone 215 is a small monument standing in open woods, upon 
rolling land, upon a gentle easterly slope, about 30 feet East of tlie 
east brow of a deep ravine; about 1221 feet West of a highway 
monument standing upon the south-westerly side of a new road west 
side of a swamp on a branch of Big Brokenstraw Creek. An orig- 
inal milestone is unknown. The new monument is set in an east- 
ward prolongation of the line drawn from Milestone 218 through 
the Section Corner 696' feet West of 215. 16 Sept., 1884. 

A highway monument marks the corner above referred to, of Sec- 
tions 17 and 25 in Township 1, of Range 14. of the Holland Land Com- 
pany's Purchase. It stands in level wet ground, at the south edge of 

*"3 Mile Post : Maple, 13" d., N. 2° E., 33 links; Beech, 8"d., X. 24'' E., 25 
links." Mr. Hinckley says, "At 3 miles, identified both witnesses and set red- 
beech stake on line. Witness trees down and badly decayed." 



256 [Senate 

tliick woods, near the nortli-east corner of a clearing, at the soutli- 
easterly end of a road laid out and cut tln-ou^h the woods, but now 
abandoned. Replaces the old stake which was set by reference to 
the original witnesses which are not now standing. 16 tSept., 1884. 

Milestone 216 is a small monument standing in the open field 
upon a westerly slope, 717' feet east of a highway monument 
standing upon the north-easterly side of the road leading from Cly- 
mer to Columbus. An original milestone is unknown. 12 Sept., 
1884. 

Milestone 217 is a highway monument in the north line of the 
road which is laid out along the Boundary ; upon a westerly slope, 
about 730 feet west of the west side of the summit of the ridge cast 
of the Big Brokenstraw Creek. An original milestone is unknown. 
12 Sept., 1884. 

The corner of Wabren and Erie Counties in Pennsylvania is 
marked by a lii^hway monument standing in the north side of the 
road along the Boundary, opposite the stake set in 1881 by order of 
the County Commissioners to mark the County Corner. Upon a 
westerly slope, 47° feet West of a large maple standing upon the 
north side of the road, and 462* feet West of Milestone 217. 12 
Sept., 1881. 

The last four monuments are set in line between Milestones 215 
and 218. 

Milestone 218 is a small monument standing in a maple grove, 
north of an orchard, upon a north-easterly slope, 786' feet West of 
a highway monument standing in the east side of the road leading 
from Clymer down the west side of the valley of the Big Broken- 
straw Creek. An original milestone is unknown. The new monu- 
ment is set in a line drawn from Milestone 219, through a Section 
Corner 529' feet West of 218. 11 Sept., 1884. 

A small monument with diagonal grooves marks the corner above 
referred to, of Sections 49 and 57. It stands midway upon a very 
steep north-westerly slope, the south-easterly side of a deep ravine, in 
a bushy piece of. woods, partially cleared on the south. Superfluous 
figures were cut out of the westerly faces of the monument. Re- 
places a stake which was set by measurement from the original wit- 
ness trees,* which still remain. 11 Sept., 1884. 

The Corner of the Towns of Clymer and French Creek in Chautau- 
qua County, is marked by a highway monument standing beside 
(North of) the ^vagon track of the State Line Road. It is set in 
line between Milestones 218 and 219, opposite the point at which 
stood the old stake which marked the Corner of Townships 1, of 
Ranges Hand 15, of the Holland Land Company's Purchase. 11 
Sept, 1884. 

Milestone 219 is a highway monument standing at the north edge 
of the wagon track of the State Line Road, upon level ground upon 
the second summit west of Biar Brokenstraw Vallev. The orisjinal 

* '• Hemlock 24" d. N 45^ W. 15 links; Hemlock 16" d. N 24" E., 61 links." 



No. 71.] 257 

milestone was not found. The new monument is placed in the east- 
ward prolongation of a line drawn from the monument at the South- 
west Corner of New York through the 5^ M. P. monument 2002^ 
feet, (the distance given in the Records of the Surveys of the Hol- 
land Land Compau}) west of Milestone 219. 4 Sept., 1884. 

.A. highway monument, standing in the north line of the State 
Line Road, marks the place of the original 5^ Mile Post upon the 
south line of Township 1, Range 15, of the Holland Land Company's 
Purchase. The point was fixed by measurement from the stump of 
the original cherry witness* which still remains. 4 Sept., 1884. 

Milestone 220 is a highway monument standing in the north line 
of the State Line Road upon the east slope of the third knoll west 
of a deep ravine, east of the valley of Hare Creek. The original 
milestone was not found. The new monument was placed at the 
distance East of the Corner of Sections 9 and 17, in Township 1, 
Range 15, given in the Holland Land Company's Records. 10 
Sept., 1884. 

Milestone 221 is a highway monument standing in the south edge 
of woods, west of a ravine, north side of .the State Line Road, 
where the road turns toward the south-east, above the summit of a 
steep easterly slope. The original milestone was not fouid. The 
new monument was placed at the distance west of the Corner of 
Sections 9 and 17 in Township 1, Range 15, given in the Holland 
Land Company's Records. 9 Sept., 1884. 

Milestone 222 is a highway monument standing upon cultivated 
ground upon the north side of the State Line Road, on a westerly 
slope 760^ feet west of a highway monument standing upon the 
summit of the ridge at the south-east corner of a School-house lot. 
An orio^inal milestone was never known. 5 Sept., 1881. 

Milestone 223 is a highway monument standing in the south 
edge of thick woods, north side of State Line Road, upon an 
easterly slope toward Herrick Run, a short distance east of the 
summit between two branches of that stream, 397^ feet West of a 
highway monument standing beside Herrick Run, at the west side 
of a new road leading to French Creek. The existence of an 
original milestone is unknown. 5 Sept., 1884. 

A highway monument set with its top flush with the surface of 
the ground in the wagon track of the State Line Road, stands in the 
meridian of Astronomical Station Clark, 69'' feet North from the 
center of the Station, and about 984 feet East of Milestone 224. 
The latitude of this monument as deduced from the observations at 
this Station in 1877 is 42° 00' 01".47. 6 Sept., 1884. 

Milestone 224 is a highway monument standing at the north side 
of the wagon track of the State Line Road, upon the second sum- 
mit East of the valley of French Creek. The existence of an 
original monument is unknown. 9 Sept., 1884. 

*" 40 Chain Post; Beech 16" d. N 45« E., Clinks; Cherry 24" d. N 41« W.. 8 
links." 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 33 



258 [Senate 

Tlie Corner of the Towns of Wayne and Amity in Erie County, 
Penn.j is marked by a highway monument set with its top flush with 
the surface of the ground in the wagon track of the State Line 
Road, upon a steep westerly slope, 376' feet East of the monument 
at the Sonth-west Corner of New York. 6 Sept., 1884. 

The last seven monuments are set in line between the 5^ M. P. 
monument and the monument at the South-west Corner of New 
York. 

The intersection of the Parallel and Meridian Boundaries at the 
South-west Corner of New York is marked by a small monument 
with diagonal grooves, set with its top flush with the surface of the 
ground, in the wagon track of the State Line Road, upon level 
ground, at the foot of a long westerly slope. East of the valley of 
French Creek ; about 4496 feet West of Milestone 2L'4, and 825 feet 
East* of the probable position of original Milestone 225, It is 20 
feet South of a highway monument standing in the north side of the 
State Line Road, and 98^ feet South of the south side of the base of 
the Large Terminal Monument standing in the Meridian Boundary. 
Replaces a stake which was set to replace the original monument, 
which was broken down. The latitude of the " Corner" monument 
as deduced from the observations at Station Clark is 41° 00' 01 ".42. 
6 Sept., 1884. 

MERIDIAN BOUNDARY. 

The Monuments upon this Boundary are similar in all respects to 
those upon the Parallel Boundary. They are marked. East side, 
"N. Y^."; west side "PA." None of the Fourth and Fifth classes 
were set. 

The Milestones which are not highway monuments, with one ex- 
ception, are marked with the number on the north face. 

Chautauqua County, N. T. 

A small monument stands upon the bluff overlooking Lake Erie, 
40 feet South of the site of the original Initial Monument of 1790 ; 
550 feet North of a highway monument standing upon the north side 
of the Lake road, and about 40 feet South of the edge of the bluff. 
24 Sept., 1884. 

A large monument of Quincy Granite was set in 1869, 440 feet 
south of the original Initial Monument of 1790. It was re-adjusted 
in aligimient 26dune, 1885. It is 150 feet north of a highway monu- 
ment standing upon the north side of the Lake road. The Latitude 
and Longitude of this monument deduced from the memoranda of 
the United States Lake Survey, corrected from the tables contained 

I * This distance is taken from the resurvey of the Line, along the interference 
of the Pennsylvama Donation Lands, by Deputy Surveyor John Cochran in 1802, 
in which he gives the distance from the 235 mile Tree to the "Corner "as 50 
perches. No milestone was ever known at this point. (See p^age 120.) 



No. 71.] 259 

in the Final Report of that survey, are — Latitude 42° 16' 05".39. 
Longitude T9° 45' 45".26. 

Milestone 1 is a small monument standing in a thicket of saplings 
and bushes in a somewhat swampy piece of woods, 849* feet North 
of a highway monument standing at the North end of the road lead- 
ing nortii from North ville upon the State Line. 24 Sept., 1884. 

Milestone 2 is a small monument standing in an open cultivated 
field, 443® feet south of a small monument standing between the 
tracks of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway. 24 Sept., 
188L 

A Small Monument was set upon each bank of the canyon of 
Twenty-mile Creek. 25 Sept., 1884. 

The last six monuments stand in line between the original Initial 
Monument and Milestone 3. The true bearing of this line is North 
0' 00' 08" West. 

Milestone 3 is a small monument standing in level wet ground in 
the bottom of a bro&,d shallow ravine in cultivated land, about 1000 
feet south of the canyon of Twenty-mile Creek. It replaces the 
original milestone, which was reset at the south side of the new 
monument. 25 Sept., 1884. 

A small plain monument stands upon the left bank of the deep 
gorge south of Milestone 3, in open woods, about 30 feet from the 
edge of the bliaff. 1938 feet north of Milestone 4. 30 July, 
1885. 

Milestone 4 is a small monument standing upon a steep north- 
westerly slope at the west side of cleared land, and in a narrow open- 
ing between two pieces of woods on the east side of the Line. It is 
midway between Milestones 3 and 5, 56" feet north of a stone 
marking a New York farm corner. 30 July, 1885. 

Milestone 5 is a small monument standing at the point at which 
the remnant of the original 5 Mile Post was found in 1878, in cleared 
and cultivated land. It is about 1200 feet South of a highway monu- 
ment standing upon the north side of road. 30 July, 1885. 
■ Milestone 6 is a highway monument standing upon level cleared 
land, west side of the State Line road, and 43 T feet South of a 
highway monument standing at the North-west Corner of Section 84 
of the Town of Ripley. New York. The latter monument replaces 
a large boulder which for over 50 years has marked the section cor- 
ner. The new milestone replaces the original milestone. 31 July, 
1885. 

Milestone 7 is a highway monument standing upon the west side 
of the State Line Road, upon a south-westerly slope, in cultivated 
land, opposite the center of a private road leadmg East to Charles 
Stetson's house, and 1858 feet North of a highway monument stand- 
ing at the South-west corner of Section 64 of the Town of Mina, 
New York. The original milestone had been broken down and 
lost. 30 July, 1885. ' 

Milestone 8 is a highway monument standing in cultivated ground 



260 [Senate 

on the west side of the State Line road, 645' feet Sonth of the 
Korth-east corner of the Town of Greenfield, Erie Co., Penn., 
635* feet North of a large boulder which marks the North- 
west corner of Section 62 of the Town of Mina, N. Y., and 
950^ feet North of a highway monument standing at the intersec- 
tion of the State Line road and the Stage road from North-East to 
Findley's Lake. The boulder referred to has been recognized for 
years, and is marked on top with a + and " N W LXIl" ; it was 
reset in line opposite its original position the same day. 29 July, 
1885. 

Milestone 9 is a highway monument standing in the East line of 
the State Lme road, in level cleared land, at the north-easterly edge 
of a low blntf, 54 feet south of the probable site of the oi'iginal 9 
Mile Post, which is m low wet ground. The monument is about 
160 feet south of Black Brook, a branchsof French Creek. 29 July, 
1885. 

Milestone 10 is a small monument standing upon a terrace in the 
steep south-westerly side of a deep ravine. The monument point 
and probable position of the oriuinal milestone (one-third of the dis- 
tance from Milestone 6 to 18) was in the bed of the brook, close to 
the exposed base of the caving bluff, and the monument was there- 
fore set 50 feet farther south. Jt is 487'' feet South of a large hem- 
lock marked "N XIII" which is suj^posed to indicate the south- 
east corner of Warrant No. 13 in the town of Greenfield, Penn. ; 
and about 2"^00 feet North of a highway monument standing on the 
north side of the road leadmg west from Findley's Lake Post-office. 
28 July, 1885. 

Milestone 11 is a small monument in level meadow land, west of 
a Siigar-bush, -^^ distance from Milestone 6 to IS, and 781 feet 
North of a higlnvay monument standing at the north end of a short 
piece of road which follows the State Line south from the north- 
west corner of Section 50 of the Town of Mina, N. Y. 25 July, 
1885. 

Milestone 12 is a small monument, and replaces a stone which 
was set a long tune ago to mark the site of the original 12 Mile 
Post. It is in cultivated land upon a narrow knoll, north of a shal- 
low ravine, and 208* feet Korth of a highway monument standing 
upon the north side of a road. 21 Jul}^, 1885. 

Milestone 13 is a small monument upon the brink of the south- 
easterly bank of a narrow ravine, west side of a thick growth of 
saplings, and about 1940 feet South of a highway monument north 
side of a road at or near the corner of the Towns of Greenfield and 
Venango, Erie Co., Penn., and Mina and French Creek, Chautauqua 
Co., N" Y. The number of this milestone is cut upon its south face. 
Its location is \ distance from Milestone 12 to 18. The original 
milestone was not found. 24 July, 1885. 

Milestone 14 is a small monument standing upon level ground in 
thick open woods, 20 feet North, and 20 feet East of the channel of 



No. 71.] 261 

a brook which flows north-westerly. The monarnent point, | distance 
Milestone G to 18, was found to be in the channel ot the brook, and 
the monument was therefore set 20 feet farther north. The original 
milestone was not found. 27 July, 188o. 

This milestone and all the monuments between it and Milestone 
3 are set in a straight line drawn from Milestone 3 througii the 
original 6, 9 and 12 mile points. At 14 occurs a deflection to the 
west of about 4'. The monuments south of this point being set in 
a line between Milestone 14 and the ''Corner" Monument. 

A small Monument, marked on the south face ' m p", is set oppo- 
site the Holland Land Company's 4|^ mile point, which was fixed by 
measurement from the original witness trees, which are still vigorous. 
(See XIX, Appendix H.) Upon level ground in thick open woods 
\vest of a partial slashing, 742* feet South of Milestone 14. 27 
July, 1885. 

Milestone 15 is a small monument upon level ground in the bot- 
tom of a deep ravine in thick open woods, about 6 feet from the 
foot of the south bluff, and 20 feet South of the channel of a brook 
flowing westerly. The monument point, |- distance from Milestone 
6 to 18, being in the brook^ the milestone was set 20 feet further 
south. The original milestone was not found. 27 July, 1885. 

A small monuinent, marked on the south side "mV 5 is set opposite 
the Holland Land Company's 3| mile point, which was fixed by meas- 
urement from the original witne^^s trees, which are still in good con- 
dition ; 744' feet south of Milestone 15, in open woods upon ground 
sloping shghtly toward the South-west. 27 July, 1885. 

A small monument, marked " ^j^p", is set opposite the Holland 
Land Company's 3 mile ]>oint, which was fixed in 1878, by measure- 
ment from the remains of one of the original witness trees. It is at 
the East edge of a meadow, a short distance south of a deep ravine, 
and 245* feet north of a highway monument standing upon the 
south side of a road. 21 July, 1885. 

Milestone 16 is a small monument upon a narrow terrace, near the 
bottom of the North-easterly bank of a narrow ravine, about 9 feet 
east of a large boulder lying upon the east bank of brook which 
flows south-easterly, in the midst of an extensive windfall. The 
monument point, | distance from Milestone 6 to 18, was upon the 
steep unstable southerly bank of the ravine, and the monument was 
therefore set 40 feet farther North, and 1574 feet South of the high- 
way monument mentioned in the preceding paragraph. 22 July, 
1885. 

A small monument, marked on the south side " ^^p", is set opposite 
the Holland Land Company's 2 mile point, which was fixed by 
measurement from the original witness trees, both dead. It is upon 
the steep south-westerly side of a short, narrow ravine crossing the 
line toward the South-east ; in thick open woods, 1794 feet north of 
Milestone 17. 21 July, 1885. 

Milestone 17 is a small monument in the south edge of thick 
woods, 1^ distance from Milestone 6 to 18, 135 feet south of the 



262 [Senate 

summit of the ridge, and about 50 feet north of the top of a steep 
bhiif, north side of the valley of the east branch of French Creek, 
and about 1300 feet north of the creek, 21 July, 1885. 

Milestone 18 is a small monument -^^^ mile North of the South- 
west Corner of New York, in the east edge of a clearing, upon level 
ground just north of thick open woods. The original monument 
was not found. 21 July, 1885. 

A large monument similar to that set upon the right bank of the 
Delaware River, marked "100 feet north of the S. W. Corner of 
New York," is set in the meridian of the ''Corner" monument, 
which IS 98* feet south from the South side of its base. 8 Sept., 
1884. 

CERTIFICATE. 

I hereby certify that the preceding schedule, entitled " Appendix 
B," contains accurate descriptions of all the Milestones, and seventy- 
six otlier granite monuments erected by me upon and adjacent 
to the Boundary line between the States of New York and Pennsyl- 
vania, under the direction of the Joint Boundary Commission, in the 
years 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884, and 1885, together with the locations 
of the same, the manner in which they were set, and the dates of 
erection, all of which are described and contained in the official 
" Recoi'd of Monuments," which is deposited in the Office of the 
Secretary of State of New York, and the Office of the Secretary of 
Internal Affairs of Pennsylvania. 

And I further certify that in addition to the monuments described 
in the preceding schedule, there were erected by me, under the same 
direction, and in the same years aforesaid, other granite monuments, 
as follows, to-wit: — Two hundred and twenty -live highway monu- 
ments, standing at or upon the sides of pul-lic roads; twenty-seven 
monuments set at the intersections of rail-roads ; thirteen monuments 
set to mark the Astronomical Stations of the United States Coast 
and Geodetic Survey adjacent to said Boundary line, occupied in the 
years 1877 and 1879, descriptions of which may be found in Ap- 
pendix D hereto attached; and three other monuments ; the locations 
of which, the manner in which they were set, and the dates of their 
erection, are given in detail in the official " Record of Monuments " 
aforesaid. 

And I further certify that the total number of new granite monu- 
ments thus set by me upon said Boundary is five hundred and eighty- 
six, including in said number the monument erected near the shore 
of Lake Erie in 1869, which was reset. 

H. W. CLARKE, Civil Engineer, 
Surveyor on the part of New Torh, and Engineer 
in charge of Field work. 

Steacuse, N. Y., 1 Dec, 1885. 



No. 71.] 



263 



APPENDIX C. 



Table of Angular Deflkctions at each Milestone est the New 
York an^d Pennsylvanla. Boundary. 

The angle given in the last column being the deflection of the 
Line connecting the given milestone with the next angle west, to 
the North {-\-) or South ( — ) from the line connecting it with the 
preceding angle. 

The table is arranged by Counties in New York. 

The distances given in the Second Column are those from point 
to point; those in the third colnmn are the consecutive distances 
from the eastern limit of the County. 

By reference to Appendix E, the limit of each County in Penn- 
sylvania may readily be lixed. 

Delaware County. 

Station Travis, 1425 feet East of center of Delaware Kiver. 

Broome County. 



MILESTONES, Etc. 



New Initial Monument 

Milestone 1 

2 

3 (old) 

3 (new) 

4 

5 

G 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

East Eiver Monriment. 
West do do 

Milestone 13 

14 

15 

16 

17 



Distance. 



600 
4826 
5229 
5271 
1386 
3810 
5359 
5299 
5351 
5383 
5383 
5383 
5343 
5150 
3670 

472 
1698 
5505 
5495 
5391 
5436 



Distance West 

from center of Antrim 

Delaware River ^"S"=- 



Deflection 



6001 
5426 
10655 
15926 I 
17312 I 
21122 j 
26481 
31780 
37131 
42514 
47897 
53-^;&0 
58623 
63773 
67443 
679] 
69613 
75118 
80613 
86004 
91440 



'443 ) 
r9]5 ) 



Curve 

slightly 
north. 

— 0"05' 
-fO 16 

— 09 
none. 

+ slight 
+ 0° 09' 

— 04 
none. 

jo^ to south 
across River. 

— 0"04' 
none, 
none. 

— 0°11' 
+ 09 

— 12 



264 



[Senate 



Broome County — Continued. 



MILESTONES, Etc. 


Distance. 


Distance West 
from center of 
Delaware River 


Deflection 
Angle. 


Milestone 18 


5436 
5436 
5367 
794 
1150 

13 

3392^ 
5341 

5300 

5359 

5358 

5359 

5360' 

5299 

5307 

5307 

5307 

5307 

5307 

5i540 

5320 

5330 

5312 

4501 


96876 
102312 
107679 
108473 
109623 
1096243 
113017 
118358 
123658 
129017 
134375 
139734 
145094 
150393 
155709 
161007 
166314 
171621 
176928 
382268 
187588 
192918 
198230 
202731 


none. 


19 


none 


20 


none. 


Statioii Finn 


none. 


20| 


none 


First Latitude Stone 


+ 0'>30' 

+ 30 

none. 


21 


22 


23 


+ 0^12' 
none. 


24 


25 


none. 


26 


— 0°18' 


27 


none. 


28 , 


— 0^13' 


29 


none. 


30..... 

31 


none. 
— 0*^20' 




none. 


33 


— 0°08' 




none. 


35 


— 0° 15' 


36 


none. 


37 


none. 


County Corner 


none. 







Tioga County. 



MILESTONES, Etc. 



Milestone 38 

do 39 

j do 39^ 

j Station Little Meadows 

Milestone 40 

do 41 

do 42 

do 43 

do 44 

do 45 

do 46 

do 47 

do 48 

do 49 

do 50 

do 51 



Distance. 



812 
5312 
2658 

2658 
5361 
5313 
5461 
5392 
5392 
5388 
5388 
5401 
5376 
5359 
5408 



Distance from 
S. W. Cor. of 
Broome Co. 



812 
6124 

8782 

11440 
16801 
22114 
27575 
32967 
38359 
43747 
49135 
54536 
59912 
65271 
70679 



Deflection 
Angle . 



none. 

+ 0°13' 

none. 



+ 0^ 
— 



11' 

16 



none. 



+ 
+ 
+ 

— 
+ 
+ 

+ 

— 

+ 



12' 
04 
16 
14 
09 
12 
06 
04 
01 



No. 71.] 



265 



Tioga County — Continued. 



MILESTONES, Etc. 



Milestone 52 

do 53 

do 54 

do 55- 

do 56 

do 57 

do 58 

do 59 

Station Waverly 

Milestone 60. . . 

do 60f 

Spanish Hills Monument. 

Milestone 60-| 

Left bank Chemuns: Eiver 



Distance. 



5381 
5372 
5440 
5117 
5352 
5352 
5394 
5187 
4419 

861 

3995 

15 

596 
25± 



Distance from 
S. W. Cor. of 
Broome Co. 



76060 

81432 

86872 

92289 

97641 

102993 

108387 

113574 

117993 

118854 

122849 

122864 

123460 

123485 



Deflection 
Angle. 



+ 07' 

— 12 
+ 29 
+ 21 

none. 
+ 0° 08' 
+ 03 

— 08 
none. 

4- slight, 
none. 

— 0°44' 
none. 



Chemung County. 



milestones, Etc. 


Distance. 


Distance West 
from left bank 
Chemung River 


Deflection 
Angle. 


Milestone 


61 (new) 


565 
132 
5287 
5316 
5287 
5298 
5178 
5291 
5122 
5289 
4022 
1258 
5154 
5305 
5248 
5285 
5316 
33 
5271 
5304 
5304 
5179 
5206 
5308 
5268 


565 

697 

5984 

11300 

16587 

21885 

27063 

32354 

37476 

42765 

46787 

48045 

53199 

58504 

63752 

69037 

74353 

74386 

79657 

84961 

90265 

95444 

100650 

105958 

111226 


none. 


do 


61 (old) 


+ 0°28' 

+ 14 

none. 


do 


62 


• do 


63 


do 


64 


none. 


do 


65 


+ slig))t. 


do 


66. 


+ 0°17' 
— 31 


do 


6? 


do 


68 


+ 02± 

+ 13 

none. 


do 


69 


Station B 


urt 


Milestone 


70 


none. 


do 


71 


— 0°17' 


do 


72 


— C4 


do 


73 


— 09 


do 


74 


+ 12 
— 25 


do 


75 (old) 


do 


75 (new) 


none. 


do 


76 


none. 


do 


77 


none. 


do 


78 


— 0°20' 


do 


79 


— 16 


do 


80 


— 09 


do 


81 


+ 01 
+ 15 


do 


82 







[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 



34: 



266 
Steuben County. 



[Senate 



MILESTONES, Etc. 


Distance . 


Distance West 

from Milestone 

82. 


Deflection 
Angle. 


Milestone 83 


5338 
5338 
5337 
5337 
5280 
5320 
5330 
3551 
1809 
5287 
5324 
5272 
5331 
5280 
5349 
5281 
5231 
5231 
5270 
5270 
5322 
5322 
5303 
5325 
5275 
5285 
5281 
5495 
2380 

782 
2126 
5320 
5321 
5330 
5334 
5310 
5320 
5339 
5293 
5378 
5350 
5356 
5361 

699" 


5338 

10676 

16013 

21350 

26630 

31950 

37280 

40831 

42640 

47927 

53251 

58523 

63854 

69134 

74483 

79764 

84995 

90226 

95496 

100766 

106088 

111410 

116713 

122038 

127313 

132598 

137879 

143374 

145754 

146536 

148662 

153982 

159303 

164633 

169967 

175277 

180597 

185936 

191229 

196607 

201957 

207313 

212674 

213373^ 


none. 


do 84 


none. 


do 85 ; 


none. 


do 86 


+ 03' 
none. 


do 87 


do 88 


— 0° 03' 


do 89 


+ 50 
— 30 


Angular Point 


Milestone 90 


none. 


do 91 


+ 07' 
+ 36 
— 22 


do 92 


do 93 


do 94 


none. 


do 95 


+ 04' 
+ 28 
— 16 


do 96 


do 97 


do 98 


none. 


do 99 


+ 0°11' 

none. 
+ 05' 

none. 


do 100 

do 101 


do 102 


do 103 


+ 0° 07' 
— 22 


do 104 


do 105 


+ 11 
— 08 


do 106 


do 107 


none. 


do 108 


— 0°11' 


do 109 


none. 


Angular Point 


— 0°05' 


Station Austinburg 


none. 


Milestone 110 


— 0° 24' 


do 111 


none. 


do 112... 


+ 0° 06' 
— 02 


do 113 


do 114 


+ 07 
+ 20 
+ 03 
— 59 


do 115 


do 116 


do 117 


do 118 


none. 


do 119 


05' 


* do 130 


+ 44 


do 121 


— 07 


do 122 


+ 04 
none. 


Corner of Allegany Co 



No. n.] 



26T 
Allegany County. 



MILESTONES, Etc. 



Milestone 123 

do 124 

do 125 

do 126 

do 127 

do 128 

Station Genesee Valley 

Milestone 129 

do 130 

do 131 

do 132 

do 133 

do 134 

do 135 

do 136 

do 136|. 6th Latitude Stone 
Milestone 137 

do 138 

Holland Land Company's Corner Stone 
Milestone 139 

do 140 

do 141 

do 142 

do 143 

do 144 

do 145 

do 146 

do 147 

Section Corner 

Milestone 148 

Station Ceres 

Milestone 149 

do 1 50 

Corner of Cattaraugus Co 



Distance. 



4653 
5352 
5347 
5350 
5350 
5338 
4202 
1105 
5332 
5296 
5296 
5284 
5289 
5332 
5302 
3288 
1899 
5244 
3958 
1149 
5286 
5304 
5321 
5285 
5303 
5313 
5281 
5281 
4350 

932 
5200 

108 
5310 
4267 



Distance West 

from Steuben 

County. 



4653 

10005 

15352 

20702 

26052 

31390 

35592 

36697 

42029 

47325 

52621 

57905 

63194 

68526 

73828 

77116. 

79015 

84259 

88217 

89366 

94652 

99956 

105277 

110562 

115865 

121178 

126459 

131740 

136090 

137022 

142222 

142330 

147640 

151907 



Deflection 
Angle. ■ 



none. 

— 0°14' 
none. 

+ 34' 

— 10 

— 02 
none. 

+ 0°12' 
+ 25 
4-0 05 
+ 20 
none. 
+ 16' 
+ 31 
— .0 
+ 
+ 
+ 



15 
53 
15 
04 



none. 
+ 0° 32' 

— 1 06 

— 49 
none, 
none. 

— 1° 26' 
+ 1 33 

none. 

none. 

none. 
-0°20' 

none. 
-f 0° 40' 
+ 34 

none. 



Caitaraugus County. 



MILESTONES, Etc. 


Distance. 


Distance West 
from S. W. cor- 
ner of Alle- 
gany County. 


Deflection 
Angle. 


Milestone 151 


1043 
53h9 
6018 


1043 

6432 

11450 


— 0°01' 


do 152 


+ 23 

— 37 


do 153 



268 



[Sen ATE 



Cattaraugus County — {Cordinued). 



MILESTONES, Etc. 


Distance. 


Distance West 
from S. W cor- 
ner of Alle- 
gany County. 


Deflection 
Angle. 


Milestone 154 


5475 
5319 
5244 
5236 
5271 
5271 
5216 
5240 
5174 
5310 
5263 
5203 
5258 
5259 
5266 

14 

1 
4756 
5305 
5306 
4483 
548 
5461 
1539 
3933 
5501 
5453 
5357 
5265 
5265 
5300 
5407 
5513 
5448 
5398 
5349 
5232 
5467 
5353 
5354 
5475 
1380 


16925 

22244 

27488 

32724 

37995 

43266 

48482 

53722 

58896 

64206 

69469 

74672 

79930 

85189 

857156 

85717 

85718 

90474 

95779 

101085 

105568 

106116 

111577 

113116 

117049 

122550 

128003 

133360 

138625 

143890 

149190 

154597 

160110 

165558 

170956 

176305 

181537 

187004 

192357 

197711 

203186 

204566 


+ slight 
+ 0° 09' 
-1-0 05 
— 23 


do 155 


do 156 


do 157 


do 158 


none. 


do 159 


none. 


do 160 


-1- 0^ 35' 
— 40 


do 161 


do 162 


— 12 


do 163 


4-0 12 

+ 23 

+ 16 

none. 


do 164 


do 165 


do 166 


do 167 


none. 


do 167tV 


none. 


Seventh Latitude Stone 


— 1°41' 


Station Tuna Valley 


none. 


Milestone 168 


— slight, 
none. 


do 169 


do 170 


none. 


Transit Meridian Monument 


none. 


Milestone. 171 


-1- 0^58' 

-1-0 04 

none. 


do 172 


Willink Corner 


Milestone 173 


— 0°12' 


do 174 


+ 09 
+ 21 
+ 02 
— 21 


do 175 


do 176 


do 177 


do 178 


— 13 


do 179 


4-0 30 
4-0 40 
4-0 44 
— 01 


do 180 


do 181 


do 182 


do 183 


— 09 


do 184. Station Corydon 

Milestone 185 


none. 
— 0''25' 


do 186 


none. 


do 187 


none. 


do 188 


4- 0° 07' 
— 26 


do 189 , 


Corner of Chautauqua Co 


Uone. 







No. 71.] 



269 
Chautauqua County. 



MILESTONES, Etc. 


Distance. 


Distance West 
from S. W cor- 
ner of Catta- 
raugus County. 


Deflection 
Angle. 


Milestone 190 


4095 
5370 
5371 

5600 
59t;5 
5382 
6581 

19 

4620 
5305 
5336 
5337 
5389 
5314 
5299 
5299 
2076 
3280 
5327 
5417 
5277 
5343 
5310 
5311 
5318 
5310 
5304 
6305 
5304 
5305 
5304 
5305 
5304 
5329 
5323 
5321 
5321 
4337 
984 
4496 


4095 

9435 

1-1836 

204o6 

26401 

31783 

324411 

32443 

37063 

42368 

47704 

53041 

58430 

63744 

69043 

74342 

76418 

796!iS 

85025 

90442 

95719 

101062 

106372 

111683 

117001 

122311 

127615 

132920 

138224 

143529 

148833 

154138 

159442 

164771 

170094 

175415 

180736 

185073 

186057 

190553 


none. 


do 191 


— 0° 13' 


t^-} 11)2 


— 19 


do 193 


none. 


do 194.. : 


+ 0° 27' 
none. 


do 195 


do 195^ 


none. 


Eighth Latitude iStone 


— 0''59' 


Milestone 196 


none. 


do 197 


none. 


do 198 


none. 


do 199 


+ 0° 58' 
— 11 


do 200 


do 201 


none 


do 202 


none. 




— 0° 04' 


Static*! Sugar Grove 


none. 


Milestone 204 


•+ 0° 06' 
— 03 


do 205 


do 206 


none. 


do 207 


+ 0°22' 
— 06 


do 208 


do 209 


none 


do 210 


none. 


do 211 


+ 0^ 25' 

+ 04 

none. 


do 212 .... 

do 213 


do 214 


none. 


do 215 


+ 0°16' 
none. 


do 216 


do 217 


none. 


do 218 


— O'^' 10' 


do 219 


— 06 




none. 


do 221 

do 222 


none, 
none. 


do 223 


none. 


Station Clark 


none. 


Milestone 224 


none. 


''Corner" 









Angle at " Corner" between Parallel and Meridian, 89° 52' (from the East). 



270 
Meridian Boundary. 

Chautauqua County. 



[Senate 



MILESTONES, Etc. 


[Distance. 


Disfee S. from 
Original Initial 
Monum'nt 1790. 


Deflection 

Angle 
(West—.) 


Milestone 


40 
400 
4828 
5268 
5268 
5241 
5241 
5279 
52832 
52832 
53232 
52932 
52332 
52832 
52832 
52432 
20 
53232 
52232 
53233 
52832 
3385 
100 


40 
440 
5268 
10536 
15804 
21045 
26286 
31565 
36848 
42131 
47455 
52748 
57981 
63264 
68547 
73791 
73811 
79134 
84357 
81«680 
94963 
98348 
98448 
+ 85 


none. 


Initial Monument, 1869 


none. 


Milestone 1 


none. 


do 2 


none. 


do 3 


— slight 
none. 


do 4- 


do 5 

do 6 


none, 
none. 


do 7 


none. 


do 8 

do 9 


none, 
none. 


do 10 


none. 


do 11 


none. 


do 12, 


none. 


do 13 


none. 


do 14 


none. 


14 Mile Point 


-0«04'+ 
none. 




do 16 


none 


do 17 


none. 


do 18 


none. 


Large Terminal Monument 

" Corner " 


none. 













No. 71.] 271 



APPENDIX D. 



Astronomical Stations occupied by the paktt from the United 
States Coast and Geodetic Survey Office in 1877 and 1879. 

At all the Stations, the Observer was Assistant Edwin Smith, IT. S. C. & G. S. In 1877 
he was assisted by Sub-Assistant J. B. Baylor as Recorder, and in 1879 by Sub-Assistant F. 
H. Parsons. 

No. 1. Station Travis. 

This Station was occupied in July, 1877. At that time, the Land 
was owned bv Squire Travis; now, by John Hills. The Station is 
situated in the Town of Hancock, Delaware County, New York, upon 
a knoll, 50 feet north of a hiojhway, about 2 miles below (East of) 
the village of Hale's Eddy, and about 200 feet north-easterly, at right 
angles, Irom the New York, Lake Erie, and Western Rail Eoad, 
above the flats on the north-easterly side of the Delaware River. 
A brick pier was built at the eastern extremity of a random line 
run east (S. 83° 20 E. magnetic) with the Compass from Milestone 
5, in June, 1877. The pier was removed 12 April, 1884, and a 
granite monument, (hfth class — see Appendix B), was buried upon 
its site at a depth of 2^ feet below the surface of the ground. The 
cap-stone of the Pier Avas bedded upon the surface over the monu- 
ment.* The center of the Station is 462" feet South 39° 36' 
East (true) from the most southerly corner of the foundation of the 
main part of John Hills house. Upon a rock above high-water 
mark on the right bank of the River, in the Meridian of the Station, 
a mark was cut in 1877. A granite monument (fourth class) was set 
12 April, 1884, upon the north side of the highway, in the meridian 
of the Station at its intersection with the eastward prolongation of 
the Parallel Boundary, 81° feet South of the Station. This monu- 
ment is 142.5' feet East of the intersection of the Boundary with the 
center of the Delaware River ; 2025' feet East of the large Initial 
Monument standing upon the right bank of the River ; and 6851 
feet East of Milestone 1. 

The followina: are the final results from the Astronomical Obser- 
vations at the Station. 

Latitude 42° 00' 02".66± 0".14 North. 

Longitude (Time) 5'^ 01'" 25^5. 

do (Arc) 75° 2P 22 '.5 West from Greenwich. 

The direction of the Boundary west from the meridian of this 
Station is South 89° 48'+ West '(true). 

* Upon 7 August, 1885, the cap-stone was found to have been removed, and the 
filling over the monument partly dug out, by parties unknown. 



272 TSenate 

]N"o. 2. Station Finn. 

This Station was occupied in August and September, 1877._ It is 
situated upon the land of James Finn, upon the River flats, in the 
Town of Kirkwood, Broome County, New York, about two miles 
north-west of the Borough of Great Bend, Susquehanna County, 
Peun. A brick pier, capped with a marble slab, was built in the 
north-west corner of Mr. Finn's garden near the east side of the 
River Road. The Pier was removed 1(5 April, 1884, and a Station 
Monument buried in its place. The upper part of the pier was re- 
placed upon the surface above the monument, and a granite monu- 
ment (third class) was set in the meridian near the South side of a 
stone wall, 650' feet north. The center of the Station is 97' feet 
North 43° 14' West (true) from the westerly corner of the founda- 
tion of Mr. Finn's dwelling; it is 256' feet North and 142' feet 
west from a granite highway monument standing upon the easterly 
side of the River Road 654* feet West of Milestone 20 and 257' 
feet East of a railroad monument between the tracks of the New 
York, Lake Erie, and Western Railroad ; and it is 271' feet North, 
and 1141 feet East, of the old First Latitude Stone at 20f miles. 

The following are the final results from the Astronoraic^al Observa- 
tions at t'.iis Station: — 

Latitude 41° 59' 59".38±0".ll North. 

Longitude (Time) 5'^ 03"^ 02\ 09, 

do (Arc) 75° 45' 31 '. 35 West from Greenwich. 

The direction of the Boundary opposite this Station is South 89° 
22' West (true). 

No, 3. Station Little Meadows. 

This Station M'as occupied in September, 1879. It is situated 
upon the hind of Preserved Hinds in the Town of Owego, Tioga 
County, New York, about a half mile nortli of the Post-office of 
Little Meadows, Penn. Upon a low bluff about 75 feet east of the 
channel of Jones Creek, and 458* feet East of a granite highway 
monument standing upon the easterly side of the Stage road from 
Little Meadows to Apalachin, N. Y, The pier, which was a section 
of a hemlock log, was removed 18 April, 1884, and a Station monu- 
ment buried in its place. 

The center of the Station is 2*' feet north of Milestone 39^, which 
stands in the meridian of the Station midway between Milestones 
39 and 40. 

A granite monument (third class) was set, 12 Sept., 1883 in the 
meridian of the Station 1760±feet North. The center of the Station 
is 57t>" feet North 38° 39^' West (true), from the south-west corner 
of the foundation of the main part of Mr. Hinds' house ; and 2" 
feet north of Milestone 10. 

The following is the final result from the Astronomical observa- 
tions at this Station. 



Ko. 71.] 273 

Latitude 41° 59' 59".95±0/'12 North. 
Ko observations were taken for Longitude. 

The direction of the Boundary at this Station is North 89° 59^ 
West (true). 

No. 4. Statton Waveelt. 

This Station was occupied in A.ugust, 1879. It is situated in the 
village of Waverly, Tioga County, ISew York, 115 feet East of Penn- 
sylvania Avenue and about 9^ feet North of the Boundary, upon 
land owned bv John H. Murray. The pier, which was of brick, had 
been removed, but the center of the Station was found by reference 
to Milestone 60 and a village monument in the east line of Pennsyl- 
vania Avenue, by means of notes taken in October, 1879, and a 
Station monument was buried upon its site 19 April, 1884. 

The center of the Station is 70^^ feer, North 48° 39' East (true) 
from the north-westerly corner of Mr. Murray's dwelling; it is 146 
feet East and 7^° feet North of a granite highway monument on the 
west side of Pennsylvania Avenue ; and 86(/ feet East and 1" feet 
South of Milestone 60. 

The following is the final result from the Astronomical observa- 
tions at this Station: — 

Latitude 42^" 00' 00' .69 ± 0".ll North. 

No observations were taken for Longitude. 

The direction of the Boundary opposite this Station is North 89° 
15' West (true). 

No. 5. Station Burt. 

This Station was occupied in August, 1877. It is situated upon 
the flats about 800 feet East of Bentley Creek, in the town of 
Ridgebury, Bradford County, Penn., upon the land of David A. 
Burt, about 35 feet west of the Creek Road, about one mile South 
of the village of Wellsburg, Chemung County, New York. The 
brick ])ier Avas reinoved 21 April, 1884, and a Station monument 
buried upon its site. The upper part of the pier was replaced upon 
the surface above the monument, and a granite monument (third 
class) was set in the meridian of the Station 1779 feet South. 

The center of the Station is 10' feet east of the North-east corner 
of Mr. Burt's blacksmith shop; 59' feet. North 45° 16' West (true) 
from an elm tree 36" diameter, standing at the west side of the road ; 
and 4411 feet south and 40'' feet East of a granite highway monu- 
ment standing in the Boundary at the east side of the road, 4062 feet 
west of Milestone 69. 

The following are the final results from the Astronomical obser- 
vations at this Station: — 

Latitude 42° 00' 03^59 ± 0".12 North. 

Longitude (Time) 5^^ Oe'" 54«.61. 

do (Arc) 76^ 43' 39".15 West from Greenwich. 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 35 



274 [Senate 

The direction of the Boundary opposite this Station is North 89° 
18' West (true). 

No. 6. Station Laweenceville. 

This Station was occupied in September 1870. It is situated upon 
the flats between the Tioga and Cowanesqua Rivers, in the Town of 
Lindley, Steuben County, New York, just north of the village of 
Lawrence ville, Tioga County, Pennsylvania, upon the land of Joel 
Parkhurst, deceased. 

The pier, which was a section of a hemlock log, was removed and 
a Station monument was buried in its place 22 April, 1884. The 
center of the Station is 8" feet north and 2" feet west of new Mile- 
stone 90, which was set in 1883 at the east side of the original mile- 
stone, and is about 1200 feet East of Main Street. 

The followino^ is the final result from the Astronomical observa- 
tions at this Station : — 

Latitude 42° 00' 01M2 ± 0'M4 North. 

No observations were taken for Longitude at this Station. 

No. 7. Station Austinbtjrg. 

This Station was occupied in September 1879. It is situated upon 
the flats, 165 feet north-west of Hilltown Creek and 800 feet west 
of Troup's Creek upon the land of H. B. Murdock, in the Town of 
Brookfleld, Tioga County Penn., at the south-west side of the stage 
road about three-fourths of a mile north-west of Austinburg Post- 
oflice. 

The pier, which was a section of a whitewood log, was removed 23 
April, 1884, and a Station monument buried in its place. 

The center of the Station is 3.2 feet south and 12^ feet west from 
a granite highway monument standing in the south-west side of the 
stage road, 2138 'feet East of Milestone 110. 

The following is the final result from the Astronomical observa- 
tions at this Station : — 

Latitude 42° 00' 01".35 ± 0".ll North. 

No observations were taken for Longitude at this Station. 

No. 8. Station Genesee Yalley. 

This Station was occupied in September 1879. It is situated 
upon a high bluff on the west side of the valley of Genesee River, 
above the river flats, upon the land of William Cobb in the Town 
of Willing, Allegany County, New York, about 30 feet west of 
the stage road, about If miles South-east of the village of Shongo, 
and about a half-mile west of the Genesee River. 

The pier, which was a section of a hemlock log, was removed 26 
April, 1884, and a Station monument buried in its place. 

The center of the Station is 53' feet North and 74* feet West 



No. 71.] 275 

of a granite hifi^liway monument standing in the sontli-westerly side 
of the stage road 1180' feet East of Milestone 129. 

The following is the final result from tlie Astronomical observa- 
tions at this Station : — 

Latitude 41° 59' 58".29 ± 0".13 North. 

No observations were taken for Longitude at this Station. 

No. 9. Station Ceres. 

This Station was occupied in September, 1879. It is situated 
upon the land of Camptield upon the Oswajo Flats, in the Town of 
Genesee, Allegany County, New York, north of Main Street, near 
the south-east corner of the Scliool-house lot, opposite the Cemetery 
and about 1050 feet West of the Post-office in the village of Ceres. 

The pier, which was a section of a hemlock log, was removed 2 
Mav, 1&81:, and a Station monument buried in its place. 

The center of the Station is 5G" feet North and 106" feet East 
from Milestone 149 which is a highway monument standing in the 
south line of Main Street; it is also 125^" feet South 42° 43' East 
(magnetic, 1884) from the south-east corner of the school-house. 

The following is the final result from the Astronomical observa- 
tions at this Station : — 

Latitude 41° 59' 59".2l± 0".13 North. 

No observations were taken for Longitude at this Station. 

No. 10. Station Tuna Valley. 

This Station was occupied in September and October, 1879. It 
is situated on the Tuna Flats upon the land of William Beardsley in 
the Town of Carrolton, Cattai-augus County, New York, about 
250 feet west of Tunaunguant Creek, about 1^ miles South of the 
village of Limestone, New York. 

The pier, which was a section of a hemlock log, was removed 25 
June, 1884, and a Station monument buried in its place. The cen- 
ter of the Station is 8" feet north and O''* foot west from Milestone 
1'67-fV? which stands at the east side of the old Seventh Latitude 
Stone, about 40 feet North of Iron tank No. 637, United Pipe 
Lines. 

The following is the final result from the Astronomical observa- 
tions at this Station: — 

Latitude 42° 00 '04".1S± 0".12 North. 

No observations -were made for Loniritude at this Station. 

The direction of the Boundarv Eant of this Station is South 
89° 40' East (true) ; and xcest, South 87'= 39' West (true). 

No. 11. Station Corydon. 

This Station was occupied in October, 1879. It is situated in the 
Town of South Valley, Cattaraugus County, upon land belonging 
to the Allegany Indian Reservation, but occupied by P and D 



276 [Senate 

Root, who own the adjoining farm in Pennsylvania, about one mile 
north of the village of Corjdon and about 775 feet East of the 
Allegany River, on the River flats. 

The pier, which was a section of an oak log, was removed 16 July, 
1884, and a Station monument buried in its place. The center of 
the Station is 4" feet north and 0" foot west from the center of 
Milestone 184. 

The following is the final result from the Astronomical observa- 
tions at this Station : — 

Latitude 41° 59' 59".54 ± OMl North. 

No observations were taken for Longitnde at this Station, 

The direction ol" the Boundary at this point is North 89° 08' "West 
(true). 

No. 12. Station Sugar Geove. 

This Station was occupied in October 1879. It is situated upon 
high orroiind in tlie town of Sugar Grove, Warren County, Penn., 
east side of a highway one mile north of the village of Sugar Grove 
upon the land of James Woodside. 

The pier, which was a section of a white ash log, was removed, 
and a Station monument buried in its place 21 August, 1884. The 
center of the Station is 28" feet South and 7°' feet East from a 
granite highway monument standing in the east side of the highwav 
2083 feet west of Milestone 203. This milestone is 31"' feet' north 
of the Station. 

The following is the final result from the Astronomical observa- 
tions at this Station : — 

Latitude 41° 69' 5S".84± 0M2 North. 

No observations were taken for Longitude at this Station. 

The direction of the Boundary opposite this Station is South 89° 
46' West (true). 

No. 13. Station Clark. 

This Station was occupied in July, 1877. It is situated upon high 
land in the town of Wayne. Erie County, Penn., upon the land of 
L. D. Clark, near the northwest corner of his door-yard. 

The pier, which was of brick, was removed and a Station monu- 
ment buried in its place, 6 September, 1884. The cap-stone of the 
pier was embedded in the surface of the ground over the monument. 
The center of the Station is 69^^ feet South of a highway monument 
set in the wagon track of the State Line Road, with its top flush 
with the surface, at the intersection of the meridian of the Station 
with the Boundary, 984 feet East of Milestone 224 and 5480 feet 
east of the monument at the south-west Comer of New York. The 
center of the Station is 64 feet South of the " Corner " monument. 
A hole drilled in a boulder buried at the east side of a farm road, 
on the summit of the ridge 1128^ feet South, is in the meridian of 
the Station, 



No. 71.] 277 

The following is the final result from the Astronomical observa- 
tions at this Station : — 

Latitude 42° 00' 00".79± 0".09 North. 

No observations were taken for Longitude at this Station. 

The Latitude of the " Corner," as deduced from the results at this 
Station, is 42*^ 00' 01".42. 

The direction of the Boundary opposite this Station is South 89° 
57' West (true). 

Station Warren, 395, N. T. S. S. 

Station Warren, a Primary Station of the New York State Sur- 
vey, is situated upon a high hill upon the land of F. M. Fox, in the 
Town of Warren, Bradford Cuuntv, Penn., about 3250 feet South 
of the Boundarv, and 9534 feet South 69° 44' West (true) from 
Milestone 40, wliich marks the north-west corner of Susquehanna 
County, 

The following is the Geodetic position of this Station deduced from 
the Lake Survey System of triangles, and subject to correction upon 
the completion of the connection with the Coast System of the U. S. 
C. & G. Survey.* 

Latitude 4l« 59' 22".05 North. 

Longitude 76° 10' 44".43 West from Greenwich. 

The Geodetic positions of four milestones of the Boundary as re- 
ferred to this Station are as follows, subject to the same correction : — 











Latitude 






Longitude. 


Elevation above 
tide-water. Feet. 


Milestone 40. . . 
do 41... 
do 43.. 
do 43... 


.... 


... . 




41° 59' 54' 
54 
54 
53 


.63 
.45 
.01 
.55 


76° 08' 45". 94 
09 56 .93 
11 07 .23 
13 19 .56 


1246 
1470 
1624 
1408 


Astronomical L; 
Geodetic 


atitt 
do 


ide of 


Milestone 40. . . 
do 








41° 59' 59". 93 
41 59 54 .68 


Difference . 


05". 25 


Equivalent to 5 


31 feet. 















Dr. Peters' Station near the Initial Point of the Meridian 

Boundary. 

This Station was occupied by Dr. C. H. F. Peters in August and 
September, 1865. It was approximately located and connected with 
the Boundary in October, 1878, and also in 1885 * the site being in- 

*Tliis correction, for Station Warren, estimated from the results given in Ap- 
pendix 9 of Coast Survey Report for 1884, just published, which affects equally 
the positions of the four milestones referred to the Station, is 

Latitude + 1".43 

Longitude — 0".39 

This result in Latitude will reduce the difference between the Astronomical and 
Geodetic Latitudes of Milestone 40 to 3", 83 =<= 388 feet. 



2Y8 ■ [Sena-te 

dicated by Mr. D. R. Taylor, upon whose land it was located, about 
25 feet north of the front door of his duelling. It is in the 
village of JMortliville in the Town of iiipley, Chautauqua County, 
New York, about 2U0 feet north of State Line Station on the Lake 
Shore and Michigan Southern Hailroad, about 1060 feet east of the 
Boundary and about a mile and three-fourths South of Lake Erie. 

Dr. Peters gives the results of his observations, and his method 
of connecting his Station with the Initial Monument on the bank of 
the Lake, in his report published in N. Y. x\sserably Documents 
No. IDl in 1866, and No. 239 in 1867. His Astronomical results at 
his Station are as follows : — 

Latitude 42'^ 14' 26".0 ± 2.74. 

Longitude (corrected to Greenwich) ... 79 45 45.1. 

These, as transferred to the Initial monument on the bank of Lake 
Erie by him from his measurements, made the position of the mon- 
ument as follows : — 

Latitude 42° 16' 02''.8. 

Longitude (corrected to Greenwich) 79 46 09 .2. 

But Dr. P. made a very material error in his measured distance 
north of his Station,* which when applied to the position of the 
latter would make the Latitude of the Initial monument 42° 15' 
,66". 8±. 

* Dr. Peters, in his Report heretofore alluded to, gives the distance of the Initial 
Monument north of his observina: station 971)5 feet, and Milestone 8, 6471 feet 
soutli of it. Tiie position of Dr. Peters' instrument stand was indicated to me in 
October, 1878, by Mr. D. R. Taylor, the gentleman who owned the place, and who 
occupied the house at the time the oliservations were made. This jioint was con- 
nected with the lines of the reconnaissance, and when the lake was reached, it 
was evident that there was a great discrepancy in tbe measurements. As the in- 
tervals between the known points south of Milestone 3 showed a uniformity in 
the length of the miles as marked, with but little variation from the normal 
length, and my total measured length of the entire Meridian Boundary cor- 
responding so closely with the figures upon the original map, I was satisfied that 
Dr. Peters was in error, from the fact that he had made the distance from to 
3 over-run so excessively. 

In June, 18S"), in order to test the accuracy of the measurements of 1878 (which 
by-the-way, were made with a chain [GO'] which had been in constant use for 
some time without testing, and consequently its error was not known) tlie ap- 
proximate site of Dr. Peters' station was carefully connected with the Boundary 
line as monuraented, and the distance measured north to the lake with a light 
chain (100') vvhicli had been purposely tested and corrected. The resulting dis- 
tance corresponded closely with that of 1878. The actual chained distances are as 
follows: — 
Station North to Initial Monument (1790) 9187.2 feet. 

do SouthtoM. S. 3 6631 

Initial Monument to M. S. 3 15818.2 feet. 



Tlie distance South to Milestone 3 was not remeasured. 

TJie difference between my distance north of the Station and that given by Dr. 
Peters, 607* feet, is equal to 6" of Latitude. 

There appeared to be no practical difference between the distances of the Sta- 
tion East of the Line. H. W. C. 



Ko. 71.] 279 

The United States Lake Survey^ Las located the position of the 
new monument set in 1869 by stadia measurements from the Geo- 
detic Stations of that Survey, and we have as a result four different 
latitudes for this one point. 

Latitude according to Ellicott 1790 42° 16' 13" 

da do Dr. Peters 43 16 02.8 . 

do Dr. Peters (corrected) 42 15 56.8 

do U. S. Lake Survey, 1882 (-1-440 ft.) 42 16 09 74 

Diflfereuce between last two 13".94 



The Lake Survey result for Longitude 1883 is 79"^ 45' 45".26 

Dr. Peters .. . 79 46 09.2 

DifiFerence 23". 94 






280 [Senate 



APPENDIX E. 



COUNTY A:^^D TOWN CORNEES. 

Parallel Boundary. 

Seven Counties in New York adjoin the Parallel Boundary; these 
are, — Broome, Tioga, Chemung, Steuben, Allegany, Cattaraugus, and 
Chautauqua, containing in all 35 Towns; and eight Counties in Penn- 
sylvania : — Wayne, Susquehanna, Bradford, Tioga, Potter, McKean, 
AVarren, and Erie, in which there are 41 Towns. 

The following schedule gives a description of the intersection of 
the lines between these Counties and Towns with the Boundary, and 
the manner in which they are marked. 

NEW YORK. 

Delaware River forms tlie Boundary between Delaware and 
Broome Counties, at the Initial Point. 

The Corner between the Towns of Sanford and Windsor, Broome 
County, is marked by a granite monument (fourth class — see Ap- 
pendix B) 440 feet East of Milestone 10, set 12 July, 1882, at the 
request of the Supervisors of the towns. 

The Corner of the Towns of Windsor and Kirkwood, Broome 
County is aiarked by a granite monument (fourth class) 2037' feet 
west of Milestone 19 set 15 April, 1884, at the request of the Super- 
visors of the Towns. 

The Susquehanna River forms the Boundary between the towns 
of Kirkwood and Conklin in Broome County. 

The Corner of the Towns of Conklin and Binghamton, in Broome 
County is marked by an old stake and stones 398 feet East of Mile- 
stone 2C. 

The Corner between the Towns of Binghamton and Yestal in 
Broome County is at a point unmarked, between Milestones 30 and 
31, 14S4± feet west of the former. 

The Corner of the Counties of Broome and Tioga is marked by 
a granite monument (fourth class) 809° feet East of Milestone 38. 
Set 12 September, 1883. 

The Corner of the Towns of Owego and Nichols in Tioga County 
is at a point — indefinite — between Milestones 46 and 47. The 
statute description of the Town boundary is a line due South from 
the mouth of Owego Creek. A monument was provided for this 
Corner, but never set, as the Supervisors of the Towns failed to 
have the line run. 



Ko. Tl.] 281 

The Susquelianna River forms the boundary between the Towns 
of Nichols and Carton in Tioga County. 

The line between Tioga and Chemung Counties begins in the 
Boundary at low M'ater mark on the left bank of the Chemung 
Hiver near Milestone G0|, and follows up that bank to a certain 
sulphur spring. 

The Comer between the towns of Chemung and Ashland in 
Chemung County was fixed in ISO 7 at the coi"ner of the farms of 
John Fincher and Clark Howard. This Corner according to John 
F.ncher's Deed is 12.50 cliains east of the South-east corner of Lot 
i\o. 3S, of Chemung Township, about 28.28 chains (ISGC feet) 
"West of Milestone QS. The point is not definitely marked. 

The Comer of the Towns of Ashland and Southport in Chemung 
County, is at the south-west corner of Lot 111 of Chemung Town- 
ship, about G1.50 chains (1059 feet) West of Milestone T2. The 
point is not definitely marked. There is supposed to be a " Gore " 
between Lot 111 and the east line of James Watson's Large Tract, 
the South-east Corner of which is not far from Milestone 73. 

Milestone 82 marks the Corner of the Counties of Chemung and 
Steuben. 

Milestone 88 marks the Corner of the Towns of Caton and Lindley 
in Steuben County. • 

Milestone 91 marks the Corner of the Towns of Lindley and 
Tuscarora in SiCuben County. 

Milestone 100 is at the Corner of the Towns of Tuscarora and 
Woodhull in Steuben County. 

The Corner of the Towns of Woodhull and Troupsburg in Steu- 
ben County is in the center of a new road IG^ feet west of a high- 
wav monument which stands 1030 feet west of Milestone 107. 

The Corner of the Towns of Troupsburg and West Union in 
Steuben County is marked by a granite monument (third class) 
1887' feet west of Milestone IIG. 

A granite monument (fourth class) G99'' feet West of Milestone 
122, marks the corner of Counties of Steuben and Allegany. 

The Corner of the Towns of Independence and Willing in 
Allegany County is at the South-west corner of Phelps & Gorham's 
Purchase, unmarked, 22.11 chains (1461^ feet) East of Milestone 
127. 

A highway monument 1511^ feet East of Milestone 133 marks 
the Comer of the Towns of Willing and Alma, in Allegany 
County. The Town line is near the center of a road. 

The Corner between the Towns of Alma and Bolivar in Allegany 
County is marked by the original stone monument at the South- 
east comer of the Holland Land Company's Purchase, and a new 
granite monument (third class) set 23 October, 1883. This monu- 
ment is 1118® feet east of Milestone 139. 

The line between the Towns of Bolivar and Genesee in Allegany 
County, is undefined. It is between Milestones 111 and 115 about 
64.40 chains (4250* feet [H. L. Co. Notes]) west of the former. 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 36 



282 [Senate 

The Corner of Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties is at a new- 
granite monument (fourth class) 1043 feet East of Milestone 151. 

The Corner of the Towns of Portville and Olean in Cattaraugus 
County is marked by a granite monument (fourth class) set 29 May, 
188-4, to replace the original 16 mile Monumeut of the Holland Land 
Company, 1,196' feet East of Milestone 155. 

The Comer of the Towns of Olean and Allegany in Cattaraugus 
County is unmarked. It is a short distance west of a granite monu- 
ment (fourth class) which marks the corner of the Towns of Eldred 
and Otto in Pennsylvania, between Milestones 158 and 159. 

The Corner of the Towns of Allegany and Carrolton in Cattarau- 
gus County, is marked by a large stake on the west side of the sum- 
mit of the mountain, 888 feet East of Milestone 165. 

The Corner of the Towns of Carrolton and Ked House in Catta- 
raugus County is marked by the original monument at the south end 
of the Western Transit Meridian, and a new granite monument 
(fourth class) 548 feet East of Milestone 171. 

The Corner of the Towns of Red House and South Yalley is 
marked by a granite monument (fourth class) 2753^ feet East of 
Milestone 178. 

The Highway monument 1380 feet w^est of Milestone 189 marks 
the Corner between the Counties of Cattaraugus and Chautauqua. 

The Conewango River forms the boundary between the Towns of 
Carroll and Kiantone in Chautauqua County. 

The line between the Towns of Kiantone and Busti, Chautauqua 
County, is in the center of a road about 689 feet East of Milestone 
198. 

The Corner of tiie Towns of Busti and Harmony, in Chautauqua 
County is at the Corner of Sections 41 and 49, marked by an old 
stake 2132 feet west of Milestone 205. The dead trunk of the origi- 
nal north east witness (" Beech 15M. N. 52° E. 52 hnks") still re- 
mains. 

The line of the Towns of Harmony and Clymer in Chautauqua 
County is in the center of a road, about 726 feet east of Milestone 
213. 

The Corner of the Towns of Clymer and French Creek is marked 
by a highway monument, 649' feet East of Milestone 219. 

The South-Avest Corner of Chautauqua County is marked by the 
" Corner " monument, at the intersection of the Parallel and Merid- 
ian Boundaries. 

PENIS^SYLYANIA. 

The Corner of Wayne and Susquehanna Counties is marked by a 
highway monument 1988 feet west of Milestone 6. 

The Susquehanna River forms the boundary between Harmony 
and Oakland in Susquehanna County. 

Milestone 15 marks the Corner of the Towns of Oakland and 
Great Bend in Susquehanna County, 



No. 71.] 283 

Milestone 21 marks the Corner of tlie Towns of Great Bend and 
Liberty in Susquehanna County. 

Milestone 27 marks the Corner of the Towns of Liberty and Silver 
Lake in Susquehanna County. 

Milestone o2 marks the Corner of the Towns of Silver Lake and 
Choconut in Susquehanna County. 

The line between the Towns of Choconut and Apalaeliin in Sus- 
quehanna County is indefinite, between Milestones 35 and 36, " 75 
perches " east of the latter. 

Milestone 40 marks the Corner of the Counties of Susquehanna 
and Bradford. 

Milestone 46 marks the Corner of the Towns of Warren and 
Windham in Bradford County. 

Milestone 52 marks the Corner of the Towns of Windham and 
Litchfield in Bradford County. 

The Susquehanna River forms the boundary between the Towns 
of Litchfield and Athens, in Bradford County, — between Milestones 
56 and 57. 

Milestone 65 marks, tlie Corner of the Towns of Athens and 
Ridgebury, in Bradford Countj". 

The Corner of the Towns of Ridgebury and South Creek in Brad- 
ford County is at a point, unmarked, 21.68 Chains (1431 feet) East 
of Milestone 71. 

The Corner of the Towns of South Creek and Wells in Bradford 
County is supposed to be at old Milestone 75. This Corner is lo- 
cated in the original record (Bradford Co., Docket 3, page 205) thus, 
begins at "74''' Mile tree being a large white pine stand'ng on the 
west hranch of a small creek thence one mile west on the state line to 
a large hemlock marked on the west side ' W ' and on the east side ' S. 
K.' ^ After thorough search the 75"" Milestone or tree could not be 
found and this was therefore designated as the north west corner of 
the new township." The Corner thus designated was probably a 
short distance west of Milestone 75. 

Milestone 80 marks the Corner of the Counties of Bradford and 
Tioga. 

The Corner of the Towns of Jackson and Lawrence in Tioga 
County is at a point 6| miles west of Milestone 80. 

Milestone 95 marks the Corner of the Towns of Lawrence and 
Nelson in Tioga County. 

The Corner of the Towns of Nelson and Elkland in Tioga County, 
is at a stump 3538 feet west of Milestone 98. 

The line between the Towns of Elkland and" Osceola in Tioga 
County is indefinite, between Milestones 100 and 101. 

Milestone 102 marks the Corner of the Towns of Osceola and 
Deertield in Tioga County. 

The Corner of the Towns of Deerfield and Brookfield in Tioga 
County is " 63 perches " West of Milestone 108. 

Milestone 115 marks the Corner of the Counties of Tioga and 
Potter. 



284 [Senate 

Milestone 121 marks tlie Corner of the towns of Harrison and 
Bingham in Potter County. 

Milestone 127 marks the Corner of the Towns of Bingham and 
Genesee in Potter County. 

Milestone 133 marks the Corner of the Towns of Genesee and 
Oswayo in Potter County. 

The Corner of the Towns of Oswayo and Sharon in Potter 
County is marked by a granite monument (fourth class) 2710^ feet 
west of Milestone 139. Set 16 May, 1884, at the request of the 
County Commissioners. 

The Corner of the Counties of Potter and McKean is marked by 
a granite monument (fourth class) 3592* feet west of Milestone 
145. Set 19 May, 1884, opposite the stump of the original Corner 
tree. 

The hue between the Towns of Ceres and Eldred in McKean 
County is the west line of Warrant No. 4325, between Milestones 
152 aiid 153. It is undetined and unmarked. 

The Corner of the Towns of Eldred and Otto in McKean County, 
is marked by a granite monument (fourth class) 1260 feet East of 
Milestone 159, at the north west Corner of Warrant No. 4321. 

The Corner of the Towns of Otto and Bradford in McKean 
County is marked by a granite monument (fourth class). Set 14 
June, 1884, at north-west corner of Warrant No. 4333, 2354 feet 
West of Milestone 162. 

The Corner of the Towns of Bradford and Corydon in McKean 
County is at the north-west corner of Warrant No. 4917, about 1000 
feet west of Milestone 175, unmarked. 

The Corner of McKean and Warren Counties is mai-ked by a 
granite monument (fourth class) set 15 July, 1884, opposite the 
stake set by the County Line Commissioners in 1873, 297 feet west 
of Milestone 182. 

The Allegany River forms the line between the Towns of Cory- 
don and Elk in Warren County. 

The Corner of the Towns of Elk and Pine Grove is marked by 
a granite monument (third class) 951* feet East of Milestone 189. 
Set 4 August 1884 at the request of the County Commissioners. 

Milesto'ne 195 marks the Corner of the Towns of Pine Grove 
and Farinington in Warren County. 

The Corner of the Towns of Farmington and Sugar Grove in 
Warren County, is marked by a granite monument (third class) 
2620' feet west ot Milestone 200, set"22 August, 1884 at the request 
of the County Commissioners. 

Milestone 206 marks the Corner of the Towns of Sugar Grove 
and Freehold in Warren County. 

Milestone 212 marks the Corner of the Towns of Freehold and 
Columbus in Warren County. 

The Corner of the Counties of Warren and Erie is marked by a 
hio-hway monument 402' feet West of Milestone 217. 



No. 71.] 285 

The Corner of the Towns of Wayne and Amity in Erie County, is 
marked by a granite nioiiuinent (tirst class) intlie center of the State 
Line F.oad 376^ feet East of the "' Corner " monument. 

The line between the Towns of Amity and Venango in Erie 
County is a westward ^prolongation of the Parallel Boundary. 

Meridian Boundaby. 

One County in each state adjoins the Meridian Boundary — Erie 
in Pennsylvania, and Chautauqua in New York — each containing 3 
towns which lie upon this portion of^the State Line. 

NEW YORK. 

The line between the Towns of Ripley and Mina, is unmarked 
save by a rail fence wliich is supposed to be upon the Line, about 1960 
feet North of Milestone 7. 

The Corner of the Towns of Mina and French Creek is at or near 
a granite Highway Monument standing opposite the center of a road 
which lies upon the Town line, about 1940 feet North of Milestone 
13. 

PENNSYLVANIA. 

The Corner of the Towns of North-East and Greenfield is marked 
by a granite highway monument standing in a little ravine, upon 
the west line of the ' State Line Road,' 645^ feet north of Mile- 
stone 8, opposite a stake certified by the County Commissioners as 
marking the Town Line. 

The C'orner of the Towns of Greenfield and Venango is at or near 
the same highway monument to which is referred the Corner of the 
Towns of Mina and French Creek in New York. The point is 
approximately that fixed by the County Commissioners in August, 
1881. 



286 [Senate 



APPENDIX F. 



Names of Commissioners and Persons Connected with the 

Survey. 

Joint Boundary Commission. 

Col. .lames Worrall of Penn., Chairman; 

Dr. Samuel B. Wonlworth, Albany, X. Y., Secretary; (Dr. Woolworth died in 
1880;) after his death 

Dr. David Murray, Albany, Secretary; 

Dr. Daniel J. Pratt, Albany, Assistant Secretary; (Dr. Pratt died 12 September, 
1884.) 

Chancellor John V. L. Pruyn, Albany; (died 21 Nov., 1877;) 

Chanct'llor Henry R. Pierson Albany; 

Gen. Elias W. Leavenworth, Syracuse; 

HoQ. ChauQcey M. Depew. New York; 

Commissioners for New York. 

Col. James Worrall, Harrisburo:; (died 1 April, 1885;) 
Col. Christopher M. Gere, Montrose; 
Capt. Robert N Torrey, Honesdale ; 

Commissioners for Pennsylvania. 

Major H. Wadswortli Clarke, Syracuse, N. Y., Surveyor on the part of New 
York and Engineer-in-charge of Survey. 

Col. C. M. Gere, Montrose, Penn., Surveyor on the part of Pennsylvania and 
Consulting Engineer. 

Members of Party ^ 1877. 

Frank C. Ainslie, Syracuse, N. Y., Principal Assistant; 

Daniel E. Hayden. Syracuse, N. Y., Clerk; 

Henry R. Mills, Binghamton, N. Y., flagman; 

Joseph Becket, Hale's Eddy, N. Y., 

Nicholas Brown, do and 

David D. Terwilliger, New Baltimore, Pa., Axmen; 

Charles E. Curtis, Lanesboro, Penn., Teamster. 

Members of Party, 1878. 

Frank C. Ainslie, Principal Assistant ; 
Daniel E. Hayden, Clerk; 
Charles H. VVells, Pompey, N. Y., flagman : 
Eduardode A. Villares, Para, Brazil, do ; 
Luther C. Ainslie, Jamesville, N. Y., Asman 
Nicholas Brown,* Hale's Eddy, N. Y., do 
Geo. L. Ainslie, Jamesville, N. Y., do 

Will C. Martin, Pompey, N. Y., do 

Charles E. Curtis, Teamster. 

Members of Party, 1 879. 



Frank C. Ainslie, Principal Assistant; 
Daniel E. Hayden, Clerk; 



* Killed on Erie Railway, 1879. 



No. 71.] 287 

John B. Fuller, Montoursville, Penn,, Flagman; 

Charles H. Wells, bush-hook man; 

Almerin F. Hamilton, Syracuse, N. Y., Axman; 

William Portman, Corydon, Penn., do 

E. Williams, do do 

John F. Stewart, Lanesboro, Penn., do 

Charles E. Curtis, Teamster; 

James Giles, Limestone, N. Y., (temporary teamster): 

Charles Terry, Corydon, Penn., ( do ); 

Members of Party ^ 1881. 

Charles H. Wells, Pompey, N. Y., Flagman; 
A. F. Hamilton, Syracuse, N. Y., Axman; 
Benj. D. Barnes, Waverly, N. Y., do ; 
Charles E. Curtis, Lanesboro, Pa., Teamster. 

Members of Party, 1882. 

Harry C. Allen, Syracuse, N. Y., Principal Assistant; 
Charles H. Wells, Axeman; 
Benj. D. Barnes, do ; 

Charles E. Curtis, Teamster. 

Memlers of Party, 1883. 

Harry C. Allen, Clerk and Principal Assistant; 

Joseph Sill, Uuion City, Penn., Transitman; 

Charles H. Wells, Axman; 

Albert Taylor, Lanesboro, Pa., Axman; 

Fred. C. Simmons, Brookfield, Pa., do ; 

Charles E. Curtis, Teamster; 

Arthur Thomas, Spring Mills, N. Y, (temporary teamster). 

Members of Party, 1884. 



Harry C Allen, Transitman and Clerk; 

Charles H. Wells, Axman; 

Fred. C. Simmons, do ; 

Will. H. Wells, Pompey, N. Y., Axman: 

Charles E. Curtis Teamster. 

Members of Party, 1885. 

Harry C. Allen, Transitman; 
Charles H Wells, Axman; 
Fred. C. Simmons, do ; 
Charles E. Curtis, do ; 

Fred Luce, State Line Station, N. Y., Teamster; 
Win. W. Kasson, Lanesboro, Penn., do ; 

Mr. Allen has also, duriig nearly his entire connection with the survey, acted 
as chief clerk and draughtsman. 

Astronomical Party frorn the Offi.ce of the hnitecl States Coast 
and Geodetic Survey. 

Assistant Edwin Smith, Observer; 

Sub-Assistant John B. Baylor, Recorder, 1877; 

Sub-Assistant F. H. Parsons, do , 1879. * 



288 [Senate 

Col. "Worrall died at his residence in Harrisbnrg, 1 April, 1885. 
He was born 12 Jan., 1S12, in the city of Limerick, Ireland. His 
father, John AVorrall, a merchant, having failed in business, came to 
Americ.t and became a teacher in a ladies' boarding school. He died 
in 1845. 

The son, after an apprenticeship with Carey, Lea & Co., of 
Philadelphia, at the age of VJ, secured a position under F. W. 
Rawle upon a raih'oad survey in Northuniljerlatid Co., running from 
Shamokin to Susquehanna and West. I'his road laid out in 1831 
was built in 1882. In 1832 lie was engaged on a rail-road survey in 
North Carolina, and in 1833, under Judge I3enj. Wright, he was 
engaged upon the Erie Canal. He then joined the Engineering 
Corps on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal wliere he remained, until 
1835, wlien lie assisted in the survey of the rail-road from Trenton 
to New Brunswick, N. J. After this he was on the James and 
Kenawha Rivers with his old chief, Judge Wright, and Charles 
Ellet, Jr. In 1838 he was engaged in making a survey through 
Pennsylvania from the Cumberland Valley on a line of road now 
partly occupied by the South Pennsylvania Railroad. He was next, 
priiu-ipal assistant to Col. W. Miinor Roberts on the Erie Exten- 
sion of the Pennsylvania canals. In 1841 he became connected with 
a conti-acting tirm, and built a large portion of the St. Lawrence 
Canals, the Rutland and Burlington, and the Ogdensburg and Lake 
Champlain Rail-roads. 

In 1850 he returned to his profession, and became Chief Engineer 
of tlie Union Canal of Pennsylvania. Upon the completion of the 
enlargement of this Canal, he became Principal Engineer on the 
Western Division of the Philadelphia and Erie Rail-road. In 18(30 
he returned to Harrisburg and became again intei'ested in tlie South 
Pent!., Raili-oad line. He surveyed a connection M'ith the route of 
183s from Harrisburg, and investigated several other lines, and upon 
the organization of a company was elected president and so remained 
until it was bought out and merged into the South Pennsylvania 
Rail-road. 

After 1860 during the war, he acted as Clerk in the Quarter- 
master's Department, with rank of Colonel, his age and a limb crip- 
pled from an accident, preventing more active service. In 180(3 at 
the instance of Sir Morton Peto, he recommended an extension of 
the Catawissa Rail-road System across the State of Pennsylvania to 
the Ohio River. In 1867 he was engaged in projecting a canal on 
the Rock River in Illinois and Wisconsin, and in 1868 in similar 
work on the Illinois River. And later he M'as engaged under the 
General Government in survey's for a water communication bt-tween 
Lake Erie and the Allegany and Susquehanna Rivers, and the im- 
provement of tiie navigation of these streams. Since 1869 he had 
acted as Fish Commissioner for Pennsylvania, and as Actuary for 
the State Board, lie was appointed Commissioner on the New 
York'Boundary by Gov. Hartranft in 1876, and upon the organiza- 



No. 71.] 289 

tion of the Joint. Board was made chairman. He was also Com- 
mifjsioner upon the Boundary lines betvveen Pennsylvania and Ohio 
and West Virginia. He left a widow and one daughter. An only 
sou had died a few months previously. 

Hon. John V. L. Pruyn, LL.D., was a native of Albany, Kew 
York, where he was born 1811. He received his education in the 
Albany Academy, and in 1832 was admitted to the bar. He was 
apj)ointed Master in Chancery by Governor Marcy ; and in 1835 
was chosen a director, and counsel, of the Mohawk and Hudson Kail 
Road; and afterward was Tieasurer of the JS'ew York Central Rail 
Road. In 1831 he became connected with the Albany Institute, 
and was its President from 1855 until bis death. In 1844 he- was 
elected a member of the Board of Regents of the University of 
'New York, and in 1862 was chosen Chancellor of the University. 
He was a member of the State Senate in 1802-63, and of Congress 
1863-65, and 1869-71. At the time of his death, which occurred 
at Clifton Springs 21 Nov., 1877, he was President of the State 
Board of Charities, and of tlie Board of Commissioners of the State 
Survey. 

r Dr. Samuel Buell Woolworth, LL.D., first Secretary of the Joint 
Boundary Commission, was born in Bridgehampton, Suffolk 
County, New York, 5 December, 1800. He was fitted for College 
by his father, and was admitted in 1819 to the Sophomore Class in 
Hamilton College, from which he graduated in 182:4. For two years 
after his graduation he was a teacher in Monson Academy in Massa- 
chusetts. In 1824 he was called to the Principalship of the Onon- 
daga Academy at Onondaga Yalley near the present City of Syra- 
cuse, where he remained six years, leaving to become Principal of 
the Cortland Academy in Homer. Here he remained for twenty- 
two years. During this service, he, in 1845, was one of the organ- 
izers of the New York State Teachers Association, of which he was 
in 1847 elected President. In 1852 he was appointed Principal of 
the State Normal School at Albany which position he tilled until 
1856, when he was elected Secretarj' of the Board of Regents of the 
University of New York. From 1836 until his death he was one 
of the Trustees of Hamilton College. In January 1 880, on account 
of failing physical powers, he resigned his position as Secretary of 
the Board of Regents, and removed to the residence of a son in 
Brooklyn, where he died 30 June, 1880. He was buried in Homer, 
New York. Dr. Woolworth was twice married, his second wife 
dying in 1876. 

Dr. Daniel J. Pratt, Ph.D., was born in the town of Westmoreland, 
Oneida County, N. Y., 8 March, 1827. He graduated at Hamilton 
College in 1851, with all the honors. He was teacher of Mathe- 
matics in Fredonia Academy in Chautauqua County from 185 L to 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] " 37 



290 [Senatf 

1854, when lie was chosen Principal, which position he filled until 
1864:. In the latter year he spent several months with the Army 
of the Potomac in Virginia, in the service of the U. S. Christian 
Commission, In October 1864, he was appointed to a Clerkship in 
the Office of the Board of Regents of the University of New York, 
and in 1866 was made Assistant Secretary of the Board, as which 
he served until his death. He was also Secretary of the Albany 
Institute, and Clerk of the State Survey, and had charge of the Rec- 
ords of the Boundary Commission. He also compiled the docu- 
ments published in the Regents' Boundary Reports. He died 12 
Sept., 1884, at Albany, after an illness of nearly a year, leaving a 
widow, two daughters, and a son to survive him. 



No, 71.] 291 



APPENDIX G. 



Copies of Docu]vients found among the Papers of George Palmer, 
NOW IN THE Possession of the Historical Society of Pp:nnsyl- 

VANIA, BY BEQUEST FROM THE LATE JaCOB FaTZINGER, Jr., OF 

Weaveksville, JSorthampton Co., Penn. 

I. Palmer's Commission as Deputy Surveyor. 
II. Survey of the Delaware liiver from Minisink Island to the 
Forty second Parallel in November, 1774, by Messrs. Ritten- 
house and Palmer. 

III. Palmer's " Journal up Delaware May 1784," including notes 

of Survey from the Delaware to the Susquehanna. 

IV. "Journal up Susquehanna & across to Delaware," June, 178J. 

John De Long and William Drake. 
Y. Letter from Surveyor General Lukens to George Palmer. 
YI. Extracts fronj Palmer's Field-notes of Warrant Surveys. 

I. 

John Lukins Surveyor General of the province of Pennsylvania, 
and of the Counties of New Castle Kent Sz Snfsexupon Delaware, 
by Virtue of a Commilsion from the Honble James Hamilton Esq': 
Lieutenant Governor of the province and Counties aforesaid. 
To George Palmer of the County of Philad** : sendeth Greeting : 
Know that reposing Special Trust and Confidence in your 
[l. s.] Skill, Care and Integrity, I have Nominated deputed and ap- 
pointed, and do by these presents Nominate, depute and 
appoint you the said George Palmer to be Surveyor of part of the 
County of Northampton, to wit, of all that part (now purchased of 
the Indians) Lying to the North of the Lehi and West of Delaware 
River, commonly called the Forks of Delaware, together with Wil- 
liams Township in said County Lying South of the Lehi, joining 
Delaware River and the Durham Tract; Givmg and granting unto 
the said George Palmer, full power. Right, and Authority to survey, 
resurvey & Admeasure all the Proprietary Land and Manors within 
the said Limits, and to Execute all Warrants and orders of Survey by 
me directed to you in pursuance of tiie Proprietary Orders for Sur- 
veying, resurveying or measuring any Tracts or Lots within the said 
Limits. And Especially requiring you to Execuse all such ¥/arrants 
and orders of Survey [and also all former Warrants and orders of 
Survey heretofore granted and directed to any former Deputy Sur- 
veyor, not yet Executed, within the Limits aforesaid] duly, faithfully 
and without partiality ^o Execute accovding to the respective tenures 
of the same : and Exact accounts thereof with dratts and Plots of 



292 [Senate 

the said Surveys Carefully done to Return into my office. In Wit- 
nefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Fourtli day 
of August One thousand seven hundred and feventy tliroe. 

JNO LUKENS 6'urv- GenK 
[Endorsed] Deputation 

To George Palmer. 

rPalmer continued to hold the position of Deputy Surveyor under 
the Provincial Government and the Commonwealth over 50 years.] 

11. 

[Survey of the Delaware River from Ten Mile River in the present 
town of Tusten, below Xarrowsburgh, Sulliv^an County, N. Y., to the 
Initial Point of the Parallel Boundary, in November 1774 ; and from 
Minisink Island, New Jersey to Ten Mile River in the same month.] 

[The outside leaf of the field-book from which the following extracts were 
made, is missing, but its contents are — beside the traverse of the Delaware 
River — the Surveys of Warrants in the present Counties of Monroe, Pike, and 
Wayne, Penn., made in 177o-4. It is a book of about 100 pages, made by folding 
unruled foolscap sheets into eight leaves. 

The first few pages are occupied by the notes of a survey of the upper 
part of the Delaware river ; this is followed by the notes of a traverse of the Rive- 
below, probably made by Mr. Rittenhouse. The Warrant Survey.s were all made 
by Palmer. 

The first part of the first sentence is evidently gone with the outside leaf. 

Palmer had the faculty of leaving many of his i'a uncrossed and i's uudotted. 
H. W. C] 

\Pacje.\ 

true Variation 4°. 35' East 
taken at Zeal Tylors by 
M'. Lukens's 
Meredian. 

Bearing & Distance frora 
Ten mile River up Delaware 

N 27 W 274 

N 80 W — 72 

N 50 W 86 

N 36 W 76 

N 22 W 108 

Penfvlvania side bears N 17^ W 

1^ 10 W 157 Pennfylvania S 2 E 

N44 W— 168 

N 65 W 51 

N 48 W 70 

N 27i W 282 to a buttonwood 

tree by Francis Delongs house 

N 38 W 124 

N 25 E 28 

N 64 E 38 to a pine 



No. 71.] 293 



N80 E — 


22 opposite to lower end 


an Istand. 




S 83 — 31 




S 67 24:] bearino- of y« Station 




N 76|- E 


N 82 E j<= base 




or from 2" Station to 


J 


first is N 2 E 15 


West side of River bars Due West 


IPage.] 




N 21i W — 


100 


N18 E — 


28 


N 60 E 


— 22 


N72 E — 


74 


S 77 E 


40 


S 5UE 


107 


N77 E — 


45 


N 33 E 


52 


N 5 W 


340 to pine thence to edge 


River 18 ps tlien 


on Penn- 


fylvania side y^ s** 


pne tree beors 



H 85 E thence up River 

:N'oi-th 100 P & y« pine bars S 23f E 
in all on tliis course 320 opposite to 
Horse Island 



N12 E 


95 


N 44 E 


170 


NIO W 


78 


:N'25 w 


110 to upper end Coshecton 


falls 




N85 W 


44 


N 281-W 


68 


N 6 E 2 outs 1 chain to mouth 


of Corkings creek 


a little below 


Robert Lands house 72 Ps 


{Page.] 




N5UE 


188 


N 5 W 


54 to Proprietary Land 




184 to a post a httle above 


a Rock 




N16iW 


68 


N 18i W 


122 to upper end of 


Coshicton Island 




N 251 W 


54 


N 38i W . 


174 to a Cashers run in 


all on tliis Course 205 


N 12 W 


85 


N 14 E 


38 


N39 E 


62 



294 [Senate 





l!i 6Q 


E 


26 




S 85 


E 


48 to creek in all 
102 ps to a marked 


biii 


sh froin 


which 


Station Rock 


bears (S 11 


|W) 


thence 




S 65 A- 


E 


2 onts & Station Rock 


(bears S 7'l 


W 






S 651 


E in 


all 136 




N6H 


E 


32 to stone. 




N 4 


E 


52 




N IH 


W 


48 




NIT^ 


W 


78 




N 6^ 


w 


206 to w. o. sap. marked 


IP 


oj^posite y® lower end of an Island 


[Page.] 










N 2 


E 


80 




N 1 


W 


104 




N n^ 


w 


50 




N40 


E - 


. 76 to upper end of s^ 



Island & upper end of a little Island 
by s.'' other Hand next Fennfylvania 

N lOi E 40 

N 1 W 84 opposite Daniel 

Skinners house and mouth of a Gut — 

N 12 E — 88 



[Page.] 



N21 W 


44 


N38 ^Y 


76 oposite to EhnDan^ 


Skinners corner 




N 9 W 


44 


N 19i W 


60 


N42^W 


44 


N 50-1- W 


60 — to lower end of Dreamers 


Island 




N70^ W 


64 to a Rock 


N59^ W 


72 


N21f W 


40 


N58 W 


24 


N 85 W 


50 


S 77^ W 


80 


S 71| W (14 

S 88 W 


to run) 62 


131 


IS 6Q W — 


50 


N79 W 


58 


N 30 W 


84 


N 12 W 


48 near v^ upper 


end of Button Wood Hand — 


N134E 


66 



No. 71.] 295 

N 3|- W (28 to a small run) 

iQ all— 57 

N 19 E 216 so far Plotted - 



N 51^- E 92 

N 43|- E 86 to a flat rock 

N 31 E 44 

N 73 E 84 to Gnm marked 

at lower end of Long bottom 
S 6S^ E 108 



N 76 E 64 



IPage.] 



[Page.] 



th 

] 2 Saturday 

N 43^ E — 42 

N 25 E 194 

N13^E 80 

N 7^ W 61 

N 65 W 44 

N 89 W 68 

S 611-W— 37 
S 63i W 86 

N 87 W — 45 to maple marked S 

85 now suppos*^ to be N 66 W 
76 
104 

115 to birch 
32 
80 
106 to water beech by 

78 
106 
132 

48 

54 

42 

38 
118 

28 

Sunday — 
30 
40 
32 
92 
29 

28 
34 

86 



N66 


E 


N43 


W 


N35| 


W 


N66 


W 


N57 


W 


N64| 


W 


^161 W 
mouth of a creek. 


N 19 


E 
E 


N 5$E 
Nil W 


N 40tt W 


^73" 


W — 


N 87 


W 


S 86 


W 


N834 W 

th 

13 


N56 


W~ 


N32 


W — 


^"38 


W 


N42 


w 


N 83^ 
S 86 


w 


W — 


S 77 


w 


S 6Q 


w 



296 



[Senate 



S 80 W 

N 81 W 

N 62i W 

N30 W 

N18. W 

N 9^ W 

Nil E 

N 16.i W 

N 3'J.i- W 

K68 W 

S 72 W 

S 53^ W 

S 24 W- 
Siirvey 

N T6| W crofs Hiver y' River 
York side thence up y* River 



51 

50 
100 
115 to broken lin Stump 

64 

47 
175 

78 

60 

20 

28 

53 

28 to M' Rittenhouse 



to 



19 



S 

s 

N89 
N50 



45f 



W 
W — 
W — 
W 



160 
59 
24 
46 
33 



N33i W 
So 49 W erofs j" River to small 
Brook on Pen! side, thence up 
River — 



[Page.] 






1 N 21 41 




N41 85 




JS" 50 — 56 




K 63 35 




N 2Ii toyor 


V side. 


N 70 108 to littl Stream * 


N 89 60 






"> 


S 70 W 144 


on York side 




S 49^ W 64 

S 27 W 102 


N40 W 


25 


S 41i W 88 
" S 85 W 24 opposi 


N 17i W 


61 


N41 W 


18 


ye mouth of Equinunk 


.N27 W 


18 


N 72f W 15 


K20 W 


102 J 


N 51 W 30 


N53 W 


22 to middle of an Island 


West 


118 


S 641 W 


34 


S 47 W 


124 


S 76^ W 


27 


N 83^ W 


103 


N 42 W 


78 


N26I W 


22 





Ko. 71.] 297 

N" 21 W 74 to M^ Rittenhonse 

Survej^ & 5 Ps ought to be added 
to his first Jiiie — 

N 18^ E 15] 

N 24 E — Ifi I V 1 

N3liE- 24 1^ ^^5'; 

N 421 E — 20 I ^'^^ 



'2 



[P(i(/e.] 



N5U^E— 106 J 
N 6^E— 40 



N 13 W 162 

N 53 W. 52 

N71-W. 118 

N 14 W — 72 almost opposite 
to Tophpollurk creek 



Peniifylvania side — Monday 

th 

y^ 14 — bearing over y^ Eiver S 81° E 

North 144 

N 30 E 28 

^^ 49 E 82 

N 27^ E — 62 



North — 86 

N 17^ W — 83 



N 17| W. 48 



Sng^ 



\Page.] 



N 22 W 152 

N 18 W— 90 

N 17. E. 118 Hand 

N 22 E 78 

N 24 W 20 to lower end Island 

N 40 W 80 to Sugar maple 

w by beech marked S : M : N : 

N 17 W — — 64 

N 25 W 26 to forks River ~ 

N 36^ W 18 



N 53 W 51 to Island 

N 29 W 94) 

S 82 W 4 cliains to Stream water 

57 
N 59 W 33 

N 33 W 50 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 38' 



298 



[Senate 



Korth — 


22 near upper end Island 


N 19 E 


100 




KIO E 


72 




N30 W — 


31 




N47 W 


23 




N81 W 


2 outs to opposite to brook 














64. 




S 75 W 


40 




S 53^ W 


18 




S 15 W 


31 




S 4 E 

[Page.-] 

Monday Noverab( 


23 to Eock 


3r y^ 21. 1774 


Pennsylvania side — 






Beginning at 


v^ un 


der said 


Hemlock thence down y^ 


River 


N 78 E — 


32 




S 65 E 


41 to upper end of an Island 






good land 


S 22 E 


22 




S 31^ E — 


24 




S 51 E 


80 to lower end of s*^ Island 


S 40 E 


38 


' After 4 days 


S 44 E — 


130 


snowing a little y® 


S 5 E 


14R 


Wind turning to S : E 


S 50 E 


60 


began to snow 


S 36 E — 


97 


sniartley a soft wet 


S 711-E 


32 


snow &, snowed 


N85 E 


50 


Prodigious fast till 


S 34 E — 


24' 


8 o'clock at night 
we came in to 
Shohochin* about 
^ oClock after a 
tedious 
Jour- 
ney 


S 66iE — 


12 




S 86 E 


50 1 


.0 an Island 


NT8 E 


10 




N 4|- E to y« 


s^ Roc 


'k mentoned — 


before thence down 


v« Ri 


vere 


N 42 E — 


" 14 


thence down 


]S^ 6 W to y^ 


s-i Re 
852 


>ck 


%^^<<x^ _^ 




{Page.} 







*Now Hancock, Delaware Co., N. Y 



No. 71.] 299 

Penfylvania. 

th 

Tuesday began at Hemlock Novem'. y\ 15 — 

West — 35 

N 58i — 20 

N18 32 

N U 23 

N 35^ 41 

N 22^ at a 11 outs its 12 Ps to River 
280 

IS" 17^ W 46 

N 10 W 62 

N 25 W 38 

N 56 W 31 

N42 W 35"] 

N 60 W 20 I 

N 69 W 100 {^Islands 

N 62 W 60 

N 55^ W 83 J to crooked hemlock 

& a cross Eiver — y° Course is N 43f E to 
beech stump Cut high for y'^ Obfervation 



\o 


90 1 6 




11 1 .26 


Mil 


es2-3-26 



[Three pages blank and then come the following, which may probably have 
been copied from Mr. Rittenhouse's notes.] 

Monday November y^ 7'''. M^ Ritteu- 
house began at Chesnut tree by 
Harman Rofigrants thence'iip 
y*^ River on Pennfylvania side. 



S 88i E — 


72 


S 68 E — 


92 to uper end of 




Mimsink 




Island. 


N74 E- 


36 


N61i E 


120 


N72iE 


238 small Hand on 




Jersey Side 


N 674 E 


38 


N52 E 


74 opposite y* mouth 


of Mohocldraack* 


N41 E 


26 


N 46^ E 


40 =N 46i E 40 



*Neversink. Riverat Carpenter's Point. 



300 



[Sknate 



[Page.] 



[Page.] 



N 42i E 


38 




N87" E 


49 


N 62 E 




X87 W — 


— 60 


N36 W 


42 


N45| W 


240 to D Yan Camp 




Sawmill 


N 35 W 


76 


N28 W 


78 


N 42i W 


22 


N 33i W — 


18 


N 12 W — 


50 


N 5 W 


72 


N26 E — 


38 


N26 W — 


50 


N31 W — 


46 


N85 W — 


54 


N 54^ W 


32 


N86 W 


44 


S 85^ W. 


50"] 




^80"^^^. 


30 




N 50 W. 


55 




N 81| W. 


36 




N 671 W • 


22 




N34 W. 


28 




1^ G6 W 


40 


Over moimtain 


N71 W 


37 


y a little Distance 


N 20 W — 


28 


from River 


N]6* W — 


38 




N 2U W. 


36 




N26 E — 


10 




N 2 W — 


32 




N3U W — 


14 




N51 W — 


18 




N 36 W — 


26 


N 28^ E 


80 to Chaimbers S. Mil 


N28;^E 


122 


N25 E — 


40 


N 244- E 


136 


N16 E. 


46 


N" 0|E 


60 


N29 W. 


100 


N 83^ W 


99 


S 60| W 


104 


N 31 E over 


to York side — 


S 46 W — 


100 to Min2:anp — 


S 64 W 


40 





No. n.] 301 



[Page.] 



[Paffe.] 



S 79 W- 


34 


N86 W 


32 


Nn w 


246 to small Hand. 


S 64 W 


160 


S 75 W 


90 


>l 76 W - 


20 


K61 W- 


38 


K 47A W 


24 


N 24| W 


66 


N 14,^ W 


342 


N 5U \V 


118 


N 744 W 


37 to small Island 


S 81 AV 


34 


S 64 W 


110 


S 47 W 


124 at 4 outs Fergusons 




Sawmill — 


S 29 W 


94 


S 50 W 
' 1 


50 


S 65 W 


78 


N 80^ W 


34 


N58 W 


50 


N 42t^ W 


384 


N72" W 


122 


80 S 80 W 


060 S 80- W 60 


S 691, VV 


230 


S 84' W 


242 Plotted — this line 


N 69 W 


62 


N25 W. 


34 


N 131 E 


64 


N 20 E 


46 


N 42i E 


78 to Rock 


began above y® 


Rock on same side 


Kock bears S hs^ W thence up 


River N 5| W 


JO Ps from thenc 


y^ Rock bears S 19 W 


N 23i W 


28 


N 51 W 


110 


N 74:1 W 


148 


K 29| W 


40 


N 124 W 


81 


N 1 W 


170 


N21 W- 


44 to J® opposite y® 




mouth of Sholiolev 


N454W 


110 to 4 way brook 


N78 W 

S 85 W 


104 


40 Side Done 


N 774 W 


38 



302 [Senate 



[Page.] 



N 53 W 


36 


N45 W 


138 


N 70 W 


54 


N 88 W 


170 


S 39 W 


70 


S 63 W 


60 


S 62 W 


72 


S 76 W 


40 


N 85 W 


118 


N 72^ 


124 


N7U 


150 


N 65 


18 


N35^ 


16 


N31 


42 


N 10^ 


65 


N 7 E 


34 opposite y^ mouth 




of Lexawaxin — 


N16 E 


18 


N 74: W over 


to Pennfjlvania Side 


N 7 E 


30 


N28 E 


86 


N 23 E 


68 


K 1 E 


QQ 


K ^ W 


54 


N 6 W 


104 


N34 W 


46 


N67^ W 


30 


N 86i W 


80 


S 85 W 


146 


N 61 W 


48 


N 4 E 


60 


N 10 E- 


12 


N 9 W 


30 


N 10^ E 


34 


N 32 E 


74 to Huo-li Jones 


N 28i E 


32 


N 8" W 


36 


N15 W 


22 


N 2U W 


36 


N32" W 


25 


N46 W 


26 


N40^ W 


62 


N47 W 


32 


N 52 W 


32 


N55 W 


54 


N 50 W 


60 


N55 W 


20 



l^o. 71.] 303 

N 78 W 78 

N 64 W 54 

N48 ^Y 14 

N 3* W 120 to Mast-hope creek 

N 27 W 20 

N 49 E 177 Cut strait cross 
y^ River makes a Curve of 40 ^ — 

N 2 E 44 

IS" 10^ W 37 

[Par/e.] 

N18iW 118 

N 38^ E to yorke Side at 
y'^ mouth of 10 mile River 

[On a loose leaf, probably the last ,leaf of the preceding field-book, I find the 
following : — ] 

Names places up River 
Tyshaw = y*" upper end of minisink is a 

hole on Pennfylvania side were 

a snake is reported to have gone 

down 
near Mahockamack river 

Mingaup a River 

Equinock by y*^. called — 

Shohockin at y®. forks of Popacktunk & 

y® Mohawk or Cookhouse branch. 

III. 

Journal up Delaware 
May 1784 
[Page] 

N B. Fryday Hired John Belong 

for 3 shillings ^ Day and gave 

him 3 Dohars £1.. 2.-6 

[Page] 

On Wednesday the 26 May 

In Company with Cap Craig We 

Set of from my House came to 

Nazareth paid for fish hooks 16 

Expences at Nazareth 2 

at Hellers Expences 8 6 

& came to Fort Pen at Strowds 
27 Thursday hired W"\ Drake 

& a horse from Garret Broadhead 

bought f C Flower & Bag 

paid to black Smith for Shoes ) r. i^ n. 

and Nails f 15 

for Gun Powder 3 9 

Expences at Strouds 



304 [Senatk 

&: caniC'to Ganfallea 

28 Fryday bought of Ganzalles 

7^ fo of bacon at 1/' ? tt> . 'i' 6 

paid at Gaiizales for Oats &* provifi 5 8 

on 

and came to Shaholy 

29 Saturday paid at Shoholj for 

Horse pasture 2 

for Milk 1 

paid at Month Laeka waxen for to 

Crofs the Lechawack in a Canoe 10 

Crofsing the Delaware at 10 Mile River 

in a Canoe & Swam the Horses 2 

[Page] 

£. S. D. 
Lodged this Night in an Old 
Cabin about 2 Miles below the 
Coshecktnnk falls 

30 Sunday canie to Mitehels 

breakfast & from thence to 
Dan! Skinners the River is 
fo In'gh we could not Crofs with 
Horses losiah parks who lives 
at Equinunk Engaged to go 
home to morrow morning 
witli a Canoe & to help us to 
Crofs ftaid at W Rofs's we 
arived here at Rofses about 
3 O Clock 
81 Munday Hired losiah Parks 

in the Morning with his Canoe 

& came this day to the Mouth of 

Equinunk to Parks paid for 

Milk at night & in the Morning 3 9 

St 

June 1 Tuesday came to Shohockmg 

& Ca]jt. Craig killed a Bear on 

which we Dined hartily ife then 

came to M'". Rittenhouse & 

Cap Hohands Obfervitory tt 

Encamped I hunted near 

li Hours before I found the Corner 
2** Wendnesday began 

to Run the line 

N" 86^ 20 W at 300 



[Page] 



a small brook running 
into York 1 Mile to post 
3<»4 to large Creek* Empty 



* Sand Pond Brook. 



No. 71.J 305 . ,, 

ing at little Cookhouse "" ' 

2 Mile Birch 
rained Hard this day 

3 Thursday at 82 r in Pen 

3 Miles to Beech by large Rocks 
at 143 run in ( 

at 308 Creek in Penn 

4 Mile Beech 

at 160 Top Ridge 5 Mile Sugar 
at 80 over ridge a little North a Spring 
at 120 Pond Creek South at 137 Spring- 
North 195 Dividing Ridge 144 Creek 
in G Mile Beech at 112' run in 
at 300 s. r North & a little South 
a spring South 7 Mile Beech 

4 Fryday at 62 run South at 90 

s r N. W 8 Mile beech little over 
ridge West side Stony at 107 s r 
South at 1 28 s r South 9 Mile Beech 
on Top of Hill (then Stony) at 248 
Spring S. W. 10 Mile Birch marked 
on 4 sides — X at 37 Small r South 



[Page] 



good land 



at 120 River Hill at 244 s r 
North 11 Mile Beech at 
50 Creek South at 64 s r in 
at 70 Creek* South 
5 Saturday at 314 Top of River 

Hill 12 Mile Asp at 110 s. r S. W. 

211 post between Sng'. & 

Hickoryf down River S 12 E. up River 

N 25 W losiah Parks 
Who came with me to take care of the 
Horses thro the Woods afsured me we were 
below the Tuscarora Town:|: & said he had 
been at it that the Creek came in at the 
East side of the River at the Foot of the 
hill he & Capt. Craig & my felf went up, 
about 2 Miles thro' the thick Woods & returned 
but could not See any sines of any person 
being up but discovered some Indians Tracks 
on this night lodged about ^ mile belo^v 
the line — 

* Cascade Creek. 

f Upon a ragged map made up of a compilation of Palmer's surveys there is a 
note at this point of a " Small dead Lynn marked Sam' Harris with red ledd." 
I Probably Ouaquaga opposite Windsor, Broome Co., N. Y. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 30 



306 [Senate 

This dav discharged losiali parks 

cfepaidliim35/ 1 " 15 ' 

& lolin Land paid him 1 ' 15 

[Page.] 

6 Sunday Traveled down tJie 

Kiver to where we condnded the 

old Tuscorora Town* Stood & traveled 

about 4 Miles further down the lliver 

could perceive nothing of M"" Walace 

we now had no more provifsion 

but ^ ft) bread a piece & Crosed the 

River & hill & Steered Southerly 

for Wioming & traveled about 

6 Miles & the Pack horse gave out 

& we left him & then turned S. E. & 

Stood for Lacawaxen creek & Encajnped 

on one of the head branches of Tunkhau 

nuck & Eat up the last of our bread here 

is good land — by fm' Pond. 

7 Munday — Kept our course crosed fevereal 

high hills though good land and about 
11 O. Clock came to the head of Mane 
branch Tunkhau uck creek here we 
caught three small Trout, which 
Served for breakfast & dinner & 
then turned down the Creek & encamped 
about 4 Miles down the Creek Shot 
3 Pidgeons & catched 1. Trout Supper 
[Page.] 

8 Tuesday — traveled on tfe about. 

10 OClock W'" Drake found a land 
Tortle which he Cooked & Capt Craig & 
he Eat, lohn Delong picked Nettles & 
he & I Eat them — & traveled on till 
below the Forks &: Encamped blow 
John Belongs Encampen place here 
he knew the Creek to be Tunkhannuck 
we Eat nothing 

9 "Wendesday — Traveled on & found 

a Sort of "Water Tortle cfe opened it & 
found Seven Eggs therein which we eat 
about 9 OClock here Cap*. Craig left us 
& travailed about 4 Miles down the Creek 
to Austin hunts & fent a boy out to us 
with about a Quart of Parched Indian 
Corn, which much revived us & we came 
in to hunts about 2 OClock & Eat some 
more Indian Corn — & then travailed 
on to about 4 or 5 mile to the mouth of 



* On the site of Great Beud Borough, Penn. 



No. 71.J 307 

the Creek at M^ Earles liere we got some 
bread & inilk 

10. Tlnu'sday hired M'. Earls son to take 
our Sadies & Sadie bags to Wioming 
& that & expences there we paid 

27/ 6 & came to M' Hollobacks 1 " 17 " 6 

[Page.] 

11. Friday at M"" HoUebacks at 

wioming had the Flncks 

purchased 30 ft) of Flower for 

lohn Delong and W"' Drake to return 
with a Letter 

12. lohn Delong & Drake fet of with 

Letter paid M"" Hallamback for 

Flour & Expences £4 " 12— 6 

paid lolm Delong 0—17— 2 

paid W™ Drake 0—15— 

]^aid for lohn Delong Expences 7 — 

paid for AV"> Drake 2—3 

for Bottle 2/& 1 qnart rum 2/6 4 " 6 

& for our horses at Wioming .... 7 " 6 

paid at Bullocks for . . 9 

13 Sunday paid at Browns on ) 

Locas hill where we f taid on V 7.6 

Saturday night ) 

at white oak run " " 10 

at Learns Dinner & Horses — 6 " 

& came to Hellars at Windgap 
here we staid all night here I 
was Obliged to leave my Horse 
[Page.] 

Brought forwards 

14 Monday paid at Hellers £0'- 9" 

28 June William Drake returned to 

me from Susquehanna with a 
Letter from T. Matlock & paid 
him the Residue of his wages 

which in the whole 

was £5 " 7 " 6 paid him 4 " 12 " 6 

& paid John Delong the Refidue 
of his Money in the whole 

was £5 " 5—0 Refidue 3 " " 6 

[Page.] 

I paid of W'" Drakes xMoney 17/6 
Cap*^ Craig paid the rest 

[The above journal was kept in a little book made by folding sheets of writing 
paper. The pages are 4i by 7 inches. The notes are plainly written in ink ; 
but the portion relating to the survey of the line west from tlie Delaware was 
evidently first kept in pencil and afterward traced over with ink. A fac simile 
of the plat of the line accompauving the above field notes, is given in Sketch 
No. 3.] 



308 [Senate 

lY. 

John Delong & 
William Drake 
lournal up Susquehanna 
[Outside page.] & acrofs to J3ela\vare 

12 lune left VViomina: & 
23 Encamped on Delaware, 

June y' 12'^ 1784 
Jngaged Witli M'' Palmer at 4/o p"" Day Logded at Capows — y* 
13 Be iug Clovdy Jn tlie fore part of the Day not Being able to find 
the Road JSTor Stear our Coarse Lay By uutill in the ofter Noon when 
marched in Order To follow Louchawaney to The Head of Tiie 
Ball'' Mountain when at Evening about the Time of Jncomping 
Shat a Done, which we Roastd part in order to toke Ou our march 
y®. 14*'' we marcht up The Laughan}' about 6 miles & found it to 
run two Much from the East for our Corse we struck of and marcht 
North & Nor west a Bought 12 miles & Jnconipt on the East BraTich 
of Tunk honnock ye° 16"* Had to Lay By this Day By reason of 
Rocks ye 16"" Being Cloudy But persued on our Jorney not Being 
able to keep our corse travel about ten or 12 miles & Struck [Main 
Branch which we came Down] Tunk honuock about 12 or 11 Miles 
aboue the Mouth then traveled about — 5 or six miles S: Jnconipt y^ 
17"' Travelled up Tunk honnock To the head & Jncamped — lb"' 
Treaveled on & Struck Hungry Jsland on Syseohonnok abought 12 
O. Clock & finding That Wallaces party had Bin up to line & Re- 
turned & we followed Down the River About 10 miles & Saw no 
fresh Sines of him Concluded they Where gone of concluded to 
Open the letter & See Jf the Contents was very urgent To Be De- 
lever'd <fe finding Jt much That way Concluded to persue On & 
Shot a Doe at Eving & y'^ 19"* Early in the morning Disoverd Two 
Jndians Coming up the River in Cannues Bring iug them too who 
Told us wallases Party where incompt about five miles Below us the 
Night Before we Traveled Down To where they where Jncompt the 
Night Before But they M-here Moved we persued on about 6 miles 
& Over Took the party Which was a bought 12 O Clock Concluded 
to Stay & Refresh our Selves & was very well used By M' Matlock 
20 Being furnished with Provisions & a Conteen of Spirits Returned 
up the river To the line & lodged near the 8 mile tree 21"' when 
Taking a Sirkle of a bought 8 miles struck the line a bout a Quarter 
Of a mile west bf the 4 milee Tree & finding The land the most 
IPart of the way very good Beech Land & good Swom])y land for 
Medow when following Down the Noi-th Branch of little Cookhous 
To the forks and finding the vally To Be narrow But — very good 

[The above Itinerary is written in a very fair hand iu a little book made by 
folding; a sheet of foolscap iu 8 leaves. The " Little Cookhouse " Creek mentioned 
is now called Sand Pond Brook, which Crosses the Boundary near tlie 3 Mile Point. 

The title is in Mr. Palmer's hand writinj^ on the outside of the book. J 



No. 71.] 309 

On the ridges Then followed up the west Branch a Bought 3 miles 
on which was very good Mill Seats find ing the lond Very <»-ood 
Both for upland & grafs land & Jncompt y'' 22*^ Steered South 
East uii till Stride Small Spring run a Bout 1|- Miles Distonce from 
S'' west Bronch followed Jt Down whereon Jt to Be good land To 
Be very Good & medow land find it to run North to where it Emties 
into the main Bronch about half a mile South west of The Line 
when following Down The little Cookhouse Branch to The riv'er 
runing Eastwardly finding it to Be a very good way & Traveled 
Down the river About 6 miles & Jncomped y*" 23*^. 

Y. 

lune 20'\ 1784.— 
Dear Nephew — I received thine of the 18^*^ Last Evening, & was 
glad to liere that thee got home & was recovering thy health, but 
was sorry on thy account, as well as my Own, that thy lourney was 
fruitlefs, as well as Yery fateaguing & Dangerous, I thought the 
time of meeting was to Short for them, tho'' it might have done for 
thee if the Wether had been dry & Good. When the 31"^ of May 

Came I was Thinking of You Meeting When a person 

Brought me a Letter from Gaynor Keene, & mform". me he faw 
Matlack & Wallis & their gang, at Northumberland Town, on the 
27'*' of May, Then I was Sure they Could not reach the place in 

lefs then a Whole Week after the time appointed 1 would 

wish when thee Can find fo much Leafure, thee Would send me an 
acc^ of the Hills, Rocks, Wood, Snakes, Land, Timbers, Waters, &c 
how you hit the Susquana, if near Wallis's Marks, the Course up & 
down the River So far as you Took them, the Quallity of the Land, 
Water, Mountains, Timber, &c from where you Left the River to 
the mouth of Tunkhanock. A Scotch or Draft from the Stone to 

Susquahana would be Yery acceptable I Shall take Care to 

Send thy Letter 

And Remain Lovingly thine, to serve 

JN° LUKENS. 

George Palmer. 

P. S. Pray let me know at what "] 
house or place Letters or paper 
may be direct'd, to, or left for 
Thee Either at Estown or Elswar. 

For 
[Sujjerscnption] George Palmer, Surveyor 

Northampton 
Hon'' by ) County 

Cap^Town. \ These. 

[John Lukens was Surveyor General of Penn., from 1761 to the time of bis 
death in 1789 Sketch No. 3 was probably prepared in response to this letter, as 
well as the notes on pages 303-7.] 



310 [Senate 

VI. 

" George Palmer 
Field Notes beginning 
[Outside Page] the 3*' of October 17S5 ending 

tlie 15 lune 1786 

Wni Craig adjoining the 
State line " 

[This little book of 64 pages is made of sheets of foolscap twice folded, and was 
kept in ink. It contains the notes of surveys of a large number of Warrants in 
the present County of Wayne, Penu. , among which are the following : — J 

" State Line Warrant dated the 1 July 
ITSl: mrveyed the 13 October 1785 
to Thos Craig began at 2 mile birch* 

1 S 86^ E 26 to two Small Sug" at .17 Creek out 

thence by Vacant Land 

1. S. 3^. W. 266 SnV. Hem. 

2. N 86^ W. 281 Hem. at 32 run in 

3. N. 3^ E. 266 Stone in State line 

61 p. East of 3" Mile Beech, (at. 198 
s. r in at. 206 Creek in at. 222 s & 
s. r. in" 

"State line Warrant dated the 

1 Inly 1784 Surveyed the 15 OctoT 

1785 to William Craig Begin at. Stone Corner of 

Tho* Craiffs Land on State line thence 

by same 

1. S 3^ W. 253 to Stone in line 

at. thence by ■ 

Land. 

2. N 86i W. 296 Stone bv Hem. (at. 

91. run in N. W. at 99 s r. in at 105 
s. in at. 168 main Creek in "N". E. at. 
179 s r. K at. 182 same. s. r. South 
at. 227 run S. E. thence by 
3^ E. 256 Stone in State line 
86 p East of 4 mile Beech, (at. 
27 s. in at 51 run in at. 215 Creek 
in thence along the State line 
c. S6i E 296 to begin — 

Keturned 438^ 52 Ps " 

" State line Warrant dated the 1 

Inly 1784 Surveyed the 15 October 

* First written beech and corrected to birch. This was probably the birch op- 
posite Milestone 2, the remains of which were identified in 1877. H. W. C. (See 

2 Mile Birch, page 305.) 



No. 71.] 311 

1785 to John Towne Begin al. 

Stone bj Hem. thence by Va 
1. N. 86^ W. 280 Stone by Beech 

(at. 130 Drv. r. in N. E. 
2 N. 3^ E. 253 Stone in State line 

at. 112. s. r. in at. 118 Swamp run 

in S. E. thence along tlie Stale 

Hne 

3. S 86^ E 280 to Stone the Corner 

of Land thence 

by same 

4. S. 3^ W. 256 to begin 

N. B. the first hne N 86^ W 280 

to Stone by Beech by mistake 
was but 258 tfe the Corner was 
moved 37 Ps westM-ard a Stone 
which marks the line. 
N. 86^ W 295 to Stone thence 
N. 3^ E 252 to Post (not run) v&c?. 
Eeturned -138? 52 Ps " 

" State line Warrant dated the 1 Inly 

1784 Surveyed the 18 October 1785 at 

to lohn Craig Beginning 

Stotie the Corner of lohn Towne 

Land thence by Michael Harts David Wagner 

1. N. 86i W. 293 to post. at. 48 

Stone Corner of — David Wagner Land. 

at. 89 s. r out. 241 s. r out 

2 N 3^ E 252 Stone in State line 

thence bv same — 

3 S 86^ E 293 post. (37 ps west 

of where the line was run through 
by mistake 

4 S. 3i W. 252 to beginning 

Returned in " 

" State line on the dividing ridge 

between Delaware & Susquehanna 
Warrant dated the 1 lul}- 17s4 
Surveyed the 18 October 1785 
to- Robert Traill 
Beginning at post the Corner of 
In° Craigs Land thence by V — 

David Wagners & Vacant Land 

1 ]S. 86^ W. 297 Stone at 160 

Top ridge at. 238 s. little in at. 
270 run. S. W. 



312 [Senate 

2 K 3^ E 252 Stone iu State 

line (at. 72 s.r in at 207 s. r. in 
thence along the State line — 

3 S. 86^ E. 297 Stone, at. 30 run 

in at. 141 6 mile Beech at. 179 
s. r iu 218 s. r in thence by 

Land — 
4 S. 3^ W. 252 post beginning " 

" George Palmer 
Field Notes beginning the 
[Outside Page.] IG Inne 1786 

ending the 
16 January 1787 

James Moore." 

[This is a little book of 64 pages similar to the preceding. Among the War- 
rant Surveys is the following] 

" North Boundary of Pennsylvania 
on the Mohock branch of Delaware River 
Warrant dated the 1=* Inly 1784 
Surveyed the 10 October 1786 to 
Samuel Craig — Beginning at 
Stone set for the N. E. Corner of Pennsyl- 
vania thence down the Mohock branch — ' 
of Delaware River 



1. S. 57. E 


— 110] 




2. S. 67. E 


— 94 




3. S. 73. E 


48 




4. S. 68. E 


— 12 




5 — S. 60 E 


23 


" 512 Ps 


6 — S. E 


40 


7 — S. 58 E — 


36 


on River 


8 — S. 30 E 


40 




9 — S. 12 E 


38 




10 — S. 21 E 


71 J 


Beech the 



Land 
11. N. 87. W. 395 Stone at. 60 s. r. ou^ 

at 154 s. r. out. at 370 Creek out 
12 N. 3. E 292i Stone by Hemlock 

in the State line (I'.t. 26 part Creek in 

at 33 part Creek in) thence by State line 
13. S. 87. E. 11^ to beginning 

Content. 455^ + E + W 

[Between the above warrant and that surveyed to Tho^ Craig lie two warrants 
adjoining the State line, surveyed in 1794 by Anthony Crothers for Jos. Leghman, 
283^ perches, and F, J. Smith, '615^ perches.] 



No. 71.] 313 



APPENDIX H. 



Extracts from Records of Surveys of the Holland Land Com- 
pany, IN THE Office of the Secretary of State, Albany, 
K Y. 

I. Description of the Marks upon Posts and Witness Trees. 
II. Extracts from Augustus Porter's Field Book (No. 2). 

III. Extract from Seth Pease's Traverse of the Shore of Lake 

Erie. 

IV. Record of Surveys of S 
V. do do ' 

VI. do do 

VII. do do 

VIII. do do 

IX. do do 

X. do do 

XI. do do 

XII. do do 

XIII. do do 

XIV. do do 
XV. do do 

XVI. do do 

XVII. do do 

XVIII. do do 

XIX. do do South and West lines of Range 15. 

Note. — The original Field notes and Records of the Township Surveys of the 
Holland Land Company are contained in 15 Large Record Books and 69 small 
Field Books, which are deposited in the Office of the Secretary of State at Albany, 
N. Y. 

The following are abstracts from these Records so far as they relate to the State 
Line. 

The original Field Books of the subdivision of the Townships into Sections are 
in the possession pf David E. E. Mix, Esq., Civil Engineer, at Batavia, N. Y. 

I. 

DESCRIPTION OF the Marks inscribed on the POSTS and 
Bounded TREES called for in the following RECORD of 
the Surveys of Townships. 

FIRST. The posts called for at the corners of Townships are 

squared and marked with a marking iron in the following manner, 

viz'' on their north and south sides with the number answering to 

those of the Townships north or south of the corner they represent 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 40 



1 lin 


e of Range 


1. 


do 


do 


2. 


do 


do 


3. 


do 


do 


4. 


do 


do 


5. 


do 


do 


6. 


do 


Will ink St 


rip. 


do 


Range 


7. 


do 


do 


8. 


do 


do 


9. 


do 


do 


10. 


do 


do 


11. 


do 


do 


12. 


do 


do 


13. 


do 


do 


14. 



314 



[Senate 



and on their east and west sides with tlie number answering to the 
respective Ranges east and west of the corner. 

SECOND. The bounded trees called for bounding the corners of 
Townships are marked — in the following manner, viz^ The side 
of each bounded tree respectively fronting the corners of Town- 
ships is marked with an axe with three notches and a blaze above 
the notches ; and on their sides facing the body of the Townships 
in which they are respectively situated, they are marked with a 
marking iron the number thereon answering to that of the Town- 
ship ; and on their east and west sides as the case may be, with the 
number answering to the respective Ranges in which they are situ- 
ate east or west of the corner. 

FOR a more clear description and representation see the follow- 
ing plan designated the south west corner of Township Ko. 4 in the 
IS**" Range (being also the north west corner of Township No. 3 in 
the same Range, and the north east and southeast corner of Town- 
ships No. 3 and 4 in the 13"' Range) with the relative situation of 
the trees bounding said corner. 



RANGE No. 12 

TOWNSHIP No.4- 

s 



-©^ 



Mes'f- 






RANGE No. 12 

m 
(b)o township No.4-. 



/ 



e 



m 



East 



TOWNSH I P No. 3. 



\ 



TOWNSH I P No. 3. 



^ 



;5 



A re]3re8ents a squared beech post standing in the southwest cor- 
ner of Township No. 4 in the 12^'' Range [being also the north- 
west corner of Township No. 3 in the same Range, and the north- 
east and southeast coj-ner of Townships No. 3 and 4 in the 13*''' 
Range as may be seen by the above plan] bearing the following in- 
scription marked with a marking iron on the north side, thus T No 
4, on the south side T No 3, on the east side R No 12 and on the 
west side R. No 13. 



No. 71.] 315 

B^ C, D^ and ^represent tlie four trees bounding the corner at 
A and show their relative situations. 

^represents a l30unded beech bearing from the cornered post A^ 
S. 35° E. 75 links, and marked on the side (rt) facing tlie corner 
witli three notches and a blaze above the notches; also on the side 
(J), facing the body of the Township, it is marked with a marking 
iron thus T. N" 3, and at (c) being the east side of the beech tree 
aforesaid it is marked with a marking iron thus R ]S° 12. 

D represents another bounded beech bearing from the cornered 
post A, S 51:° W 12 links, and marked on the side {d) facing the 
corner with three notches and a blaze above the notches ; also on the 
side (e) facing tlie body of the Township, it is marked with a mark- 
ing iron thus T N" 3, and at (^) being the west side of the beech 
tree aforesaid it is marked with a marking iron thus R iV" 13. 

B represents another bounded beech bearing from the cornered 
post A^ N. 37° E. 38 links and marked on the side {in) facing the 
corner, with three notches and a blaze above tlie notches; also on 
the side {ii) facing the body of the Township it is marked witl\ a 
marking iron thus T N" 4, and at {p) being tlie east side of the 
beech tree aforesaid it is marked with a marking iron thus R N° 12. 

C. represents a bonnded sugar maple bearing from the cornered 
post J[, N". 71° 30' W. 46 linlvs, and marked on the side (/■) facing 
the post with three notches and a blaze above the notches, also on 
the side {s) facing the body of the Township it is marked with a 
marking iron thns ^'^^''4, and at (?<^) being the west side of the 
aforesaid bounded sngar maple it is marked with a marking iron 
thus R N" 13. 

IN the same manner are all the corners of Townships perpetn- 
ated, excepting that the several corner posts and bounded trees are 
marked with the numbers answering to the respective Ranges and 
Townships they represent. 

ALL the posts of the intermediate corners called for in the Rec- 
ord of the Survey of Townships are notched with twelve notches, 
three on the north, three on the south, three on the east, and three 
on the west sides of said posts, and the trees bounding the interme- 
diate corners ai-e marked on their respective sides fronting the cor- 
ner post with three notches, and a blaze above the notches. 

ALL the line trees (or wliich were generally called sight-trees) are 
marked with four notches and two blazes, that is to say, two notches 
and a blaze above the notches on one side of the tree, and two 
notches and a blaze above the notches on the opposite side of the tree. 

THE other marked trees designating the boundar}' lines of Town- 
ships are blazed on three sides, two blazes with the line and one 
fronting the line. 

JOSEPH ELLECOTT. 

[From Record of Range 12.] 

[In Record of Range 11 tliis Description is signed] 

"JOSEPH ELLICOTT 

/Surveyor for the 
Holland Land Company " 



316 [Senate 

II. 

Extracts from Augustus Porter's Field Book. 
[Small H. L. Co., F. B. No. 2.] 

July 5Hl 1T98. Began at Gorliaiii & Phelps South west corner 
wliicli is a post and Beech tree, standing on the North Boundary 
hne of Pennsylvania which was set by John Adlum Nov' 1791 

From thence measured west along said North Boundary line 
1*?^ Mile Immediately on leaving the corner descend i hill 
obliquely. 22 Ch? 14 links to the 127 Mile Stone, 75 Ch' to hem- 
lock bottom, 80 Ch^ sett a Black ash post and marked it 1. M. 

21'.'^ Mile 5 Ch^ 57 Iks To the S East Branch-^ of Genefseo river 
running South west. At 9 Ch? the same running N. West. At 
22.24 the 128 Mile Stone. At 42 Ch? the Genefseo river about 2 
Ch? & 50 Iks below the Confluence of the aforesaid South East 
Branch and the South branch, the S E branch and the two bran.ches 
united crofs the line as represented below 



^ 




Encamped at the River. Friday Inly G*.*? Continued our measure- 
ment. At 50 Ch* a hemlock swamp which continues through the 
Mile. At 80 Ch? sett a hemlocbpost and Marked it 2 M. 

3*? Mile At 1.5 begin to afcend a hill obliquely, timber hemlock 
& Beech. 22.42 to the 129 Mile Stone, 72.50 to a spring run r.^ 
North. At 80 Ch? sett a post marked 3 M. 

4'.'? Mile, land good timber hemlock and Beech, at 22.75 to the 
130 Mile Stone, at 80 Ch? sett a hemlock post marked 4 M. 

5^^^ Jlile. 23 Ch? 23 Iks to the 131 Mile Stone land tolarably good, 
timber hemlock and Beech. Set a Beech post at 80 Ch? 

&"} Mile. 11 Ch. to a Creekf 25 Iks Wide r.s N E. At 23.14 the 
132 Mile Stone. At 80. Sett a post. 

7in Mile. At 22.94 To the 133 Mile Stone. At 33 Ch? a run 
run^ North, where we encamped for Night. Saturday Inly 7'^ pro- 
ceed on the line. Land stony timber hemlock and Beech. At 80 
Ch? Set a post mrk'^ 7 M. 

8H^ Mile At 22.66 to the 134 Mile Stone. At 80 Ch? sett a post 
marked 8 M. 



* Cryder Creek. t Ore Bed Creek. 



Ko. 71.] 317 

9*^ Mile, land hard and Stony and some ridgy, timber Chestnut, 
BP. Oak & hemlock. Sett a post at 8U Ch. markd U M. 

10.'" Mile. 23.35 to the 13t) Mile Stone At 64.50 to Creek* 30 
links W.'' course Xorth. At 72.75 a Stone marked, on the North. 
NEW. YORK 136 M. 50 Ch! On the South PENNSYLVANIA 
Lat. 42? Yar. 0° 45' West. 1787. At 80 Chs sett a post and marked 
it 10 M. 

ll'h Mile At 21.40 to the 137 Mile Stone. At 76, a Creek 10 
Iks Wide course North. At 80 Chs. sett a post marked 11. M. 

At the commencement of the 11"' Mile we encamped for night 
Sunday luly S proceeded on the Measurement. 12*^ Mile At 20 
chs 40 Iks the 138 Mile Stone at 80 ch? sett a stake and return about 
40 perches on the line and encamp it being 1 oclock, and Yery rainy, 
while we were making our fire we were Joined by M"". Sterrett of 
Philadelphia Mr Crider of Steuben County and M' Ray, all of them 
encamped with us. 

Munday Inly 9"' M^ Stei-rit, Crider & Ray sett off for the 
Genefseo River and went in a N Easterly course M'' Burgis and 
myself wishing if possible to find a road for our pack horses which 
we expect in to morrow sett off with these Gentlemen we proceed 
N. E. about half a Mile and come to a Considerable of a stream S 
West on this Creekf there is considerable flatt land which we find 
to extend NE & SW. We proceeded about 2 Miles up the Creek 
find the travelling good, we therefore Conclude that our horses ma}' 
come down this Yalley and escape some bad hills wliich we erofsed 
on the line, from thence we return to our last Nights Camp. 

The following is the Measurement of the Pennsylvania line 
continued from the stone at the commencement of the 12 Mile 
meridian which is 12 Miles West of Gorham & Phelps's S. W. 
Corner marked, on the East N? 1. S. W. Corner, On the West 
W & J. WiLLixK S. E. Corner. On the South Pen^-^ Lat 42° 
On the top Meridian 12 Miles. Yar. 0? 15' West. 

[Here follow sketch notes as far as 38 miles, wliere lie runs north.] 

IIL 

Extract from Seth Pease's Field Book of the Traverse of 

Lake Erie. 

[Small H. L. Co., F. B. No. 69.] 

The Traverse of Lake Erie Begiiming at the Nortli West Corner 
of the State of New Y^ork and north of a Monument Stone (which 
is now broken to pieces) 89 Links we set a stake at the Place of be- 
ginning. Said Monument appeal's to have been erected by M' 
Andrew Ellicott August 23'^ 1790 Latitude 42°- 16'- 13" North 
Yariation 0? 25' West. We arrived too late at evening to make the 

*Crandall Creek. f Honeoye Creek. 



318 [Senate 

neceXsary preparations for taking the Variation, but I began the 
Traverse on a supposed Variation of 20 minutes East. July 27"' 1798 
Friday night clouds jjrevented our taking an Observation of the 
Pole Star- 

28*'' Saturday night at 10 o c & 13' the North star Elongation one 
Degree & 55' Magnetically a short time after it was the same, the 
clouds prevented observing sooner Sunday noon I found my watch 
9 minutes too slow. Saturday we had two considerable thunder 
Showers in the Afternoon. 

29'''' Sunday, we carried the Traverse to the mouth of Chatauqua 
Creek. 

[Then follow the tabulated notes of the Traverse. Certificate dated] 

Tuesday 
Sept 4»"., 1798 
Seth Peafe. 

IV. 

Surveyed 

TOWNSHIP N°. 1 in the 1^^ KANGE. 

[Bolivar, Allegany Co., 1 R. S. 358 (6th Ed.).] 

Beginning on the north boundary line of the State of Pennsyl- 
vania twelve miles west of Gorham and Phelps's southwest corner 
at a stone marked on the South side " PEN^^ Lat. 42," on the v\-est 
side " W. & J. WILLINK^ SE. Corner,'* on the east side "N'' 1 
S. W. Corner," and on the top "MERIDIAN 12 Miles West of G. 
& P. S. W. Corner, Var. 0°, ]5' W. 1798," being the southeast cor- 
ner of said Township, and running thence from the aforesaid 
marked stone West bounding south on the north boundary line of 
Pennsylvania aforesaid. 

40 At forty chains a yellow birch sapling, from which two 
bounded trees bear, a hemlock east eight links, and another 
hemlock noiih foi'ty five degrees west twenty four links. 
80 At eighty chains a white ash post from wiiich three bounded 
trees bear, a hemlock north twenty six degrees west sixteen 
links, a beech south sixty two degrees east twenty five links, and 
a maple south sixty six degrees west twenty five links. 
120 At one liunrtred and twenty chains an ironwood post from 
which two bounded trees bear, a lynn sapling north sixty three 
degrees east eight links, and a hemlock south fourteen degrees 
west thirt}'^ links. 
160 At one hundred and sixty chains an ironwood post, from 
which two bounded trees bear, a beech north twenty nine de- 
grees east ten links, and a white pine twenty six links. 
200 At two hundred chains an ironwood post from which two 
bounded trees bear, a white pine South eighty seven degrees 
west twenty seven links, and a maple south seven degrees west 
twenty two links. 



Ko. 71.] 319 

240 At tAYO hundred and forty chains, a hemlock post, from 
whicli two bounded trees bear, an oak north seventy one degrees 
west thirty three Hnks, and a hemlock nortli twelve degrees 
west ten links. 

280 At two hundred and eighty chains, a beech tree marked 15t} 
M. G. & P. Cor^ 

320 At three hundred and twenty chains a beech post, from 
whicli three bounded trees bear, a beech north forty two degrees 
east fifteen links, an ironwood south four degrees east eigh- 
teen links, and another beech south eighty west sixteen links. 

360 At three hundred and sixty chains a chesnut post, from 
which two bounded trees bear, a white oak north forty eight 
degrees east twenty six links, and a sugar maple north twenty 
eight degrees west twenty two links. 

400 At four hundred chains a white ash post from wdiicli three 
bounded trees bear, a beech north ten degrees east twenty five 
links, a hemlock north sixty seven degrees east nine links, and 
a yellow birch soutli eighteen degrees east twenty nine links. 

440 A four hundred and forty chains a post from which two 
bounded trees bear, a white pine South forty five degrees east 
twenty three links and a hickory south seventy five degrees 
west ten links. 

480 Four hundred and eighty chains to a white ash post, 
bemg the southwest corner of said Township, and the south- 
east corner of Township N° 1 in the Second range, from which 
post two bounded trees bear, a beech north thirty seven degrees 
East twenty three links, and another beech north eighty five de- 
grees west twenty two links ; and running thence from the 
aforesaid white ash post North 

I certify that the foregoing is an accurate description of Township 
N° 1 in the first Range, compared with and corrected from the orig- 
inal field notes. 

( Surveyor 
JOSEPH ELLICOTT. for 

( Iloll'' L'' Comp^^ 



320 



[Senate 



Range 1, 

REMAKKS on TOWNSHIP N° 1. 



Beginning in the north boundary 

[etc. , as above] 

and commencinfr with 



Une 



O 






<» 






U 






a 

as 


40.. 




5 


40.. 
40. 
24. 
IB, 




OD 








8. 


70 


TZ 


8. 


77 


U 


17. 


53 


o 






o 






CM 
I 


5. 


•• 



13. 

14. 



a 


26. 


a 


8. 


u 




o 




Ol 




I 


82. 



10, 



•5 20, 



O 
o 

CD 



10, 

20, 



Upland of the second QuaHty, 

Timber hemlock, beech, pine, oak, chesnut and maple. 

Thence j^radually descending a hill facing northwesterly, 

to a yellow birch sapling, 

to a white ash post, 

to an ironwood post, 

to a creek* one perch M-ide running southwesterly, 

to an ironwood post, 

to a runt running southwesterly, 

to the 141'' mile tree, 

to a run running southwesterly, and to the ascent of a 

hill facing southeasterly thence ascending, 

to an ironwood post, 

to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation, and 
to the descent of the same hill facing southerly, south- 
westerly, and westerly ; thence descending, 
to a hemlock post, 

to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation, 
to a run running southwesterly, and to the ascent of 
another hill facing southeasterly, southerly, and south- 
westerly ; thence along the side of said hill, 
to a beech post, 

to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation ; 
to a run running southeasterly, and to the ascent of a 
ridge facing northeasterly ; thence ascending 
to a beech post, and the commencement of 

Upland of the 3" Quality, 

Timber hemlock, oak and beech, 

to the top of said ridge unfit for cultivation, and to the 

descent of the same facing southwesterly, and southerly; 

thence along the top of tiie same 

to the descent of the same facing westerly; thence 

gently descending 

to a chesnut post, still descending 

to the commencement of 



*Honeoye Creek. 



f North Branch of Honeove Creek. 



No. 71.1 321 

oQ Upland of the first Quality, 

Timber beech, maple and elm. 
. . to a white ash post at the bottom of said rid£>;e not too 
steep for tillage, 

. . to a creek^ one perch wide, running southwesterly 
60 to the 144 mile stone, 

Thence along level land, 
40 to a post and the commencement of 

Upland of the 2'' Quality 

Timber beech and maple. 
. . to a run running southeasterly 
. . to the ascent of a hill facing southeasterly, and to the 

commencement of 

Upland of the S^ Quality, 

Thence ascending 
16 . . . . to a white ash post, being the southwest corner of said 
Township, 



J 




c; 




o 


20. 


CN 




I 






10. 


r^ 


5. 


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o 




"* 


V4 






cc 




C 








■^, 




r^ 


IS 


CM 


6. 



Explored the 28'" October 1798. 

( Surveyor 
JOSEPH ELLICOTT \ for 

( Holland L'lC". 

[See also small Field Books N». 1 and 3.J 

V. 

Surreyed 

TOWNSHIP N° 1 in the 2' RANGE. 

[Genesee, Allegany Co., 1 R. S. 361 (6tli ed.)] 
Beginuing at a white ash post standing on the north boundary 
line of the state of Pennsylvania, being the southeast corner of said 
Tow-nship, and the southwest corner of Township N° 1 in the first 
Range, from which post two hounded trees bear a beech north thirty- 
seven degrees east twenty three links, and another beech north eighty 
five degrees west twenty two links ; and running thence from tlie 
aforesaid white ash post West bounding south on'the north boundary 
line of the state of Pennsylvania aforesaid. 

40 At forty chains a beech post from which one bounded tree 
bears, a sugar maple south twenty nine degrees east twenty two 
links. 

80 At eighty chains a birch sapling from which two bounded 
trees bear, a birch sapling south sixty four deo-roes west thirteen 

* Horse Run. 

[Sen. Doc. No. -71.] 41 



322 [Senate 

links, and another birch sapling north thirty nine degrees west 
eighteen links. 

120 At one liuiulred and twenty chains a beech post from which 
two bounded trees bear, a pine sontli thirty four degrees east 
twelve links, and a white oak south sixty five degrees west twenty 
seven links. 

160 At one hundred and sixty chains a beech post from which 
three bounded trees bear, a beech south forty degrees west six- 
teen links, and another beech north fifty degrees east, twenty 
seven links, and a maple nortli twenty two degrees west eighteen 
links. 

200 At two hundred chains a hemlock post from which two 
bounded trees bear, a hemlock south twenty three degrees west 
twenty six links, and another hemlock north fifty eiglit degrees 
west thirty links. 

240 At two hundred and forty cliains a beech post from whicli 
three boinided trees bear, a beech south five degrees east twenty 
eight links, and another beech north one degree west twenty 
seven links. 

280 At two hundred and eighty cliains a white pine post* from 
which two bounded trees bear, a maple south forty three de- 
grees east thirteen links, and a beech north forty three east sev- 
enteen links. 

320 At tliree hundred and twenty chains a beech post from 
which tliree bounded trees bear, a beech north seventeen degree s 
west nine links, another beech north sixty nine degrees west 
fifteen links, and a white pine south twenty two degrees west 
eight liidvs. 

360 At three hundred and sixty chains a beech post from which 
two bounded trees bear, a beech north sixty three degrees east 
twenty links, and a white ash south forty four degrees east 
nineteen links. 

400 At four hundred chains a black ash post from which three 
bounded trees liear, a black ash north fifty two degrees east nine 
links, another black ash south eighteen degrees east thirty four 
links, and ati other black ash south twenty eight degrees west 
thirty four links. 

440 At four hundred and forty chains an elm sapling from 
which two bounded trees bear, a white ash south fifty two de- 
grees east thirteen links, and an elm north sixty one degrees 
east twenty one links. 

480 Four hundred and eighty chains to a hickory tree being 
the southwest corner of said Township, and the southeast corner 
of Township N" 1 in the third Range, from which tree two 
bounded trees bear, an elm north fifty one degrees east twenty 

* Error. In the ori^iaal Notes of the Surveyor (Small F. B. No. 3, Aug. Porter, 
Surveyor) this is a Wiiite Pine tret 60 inches diameter. The remains of this 
stump were there in 1878. 



No. 71.] 323 

one links, a hickory north twenty nine degrees, west thirty six 
links, and a maple south lifty three degrees east tliirty four 
links. Thence running from the said hickory tree Nortli 



Range 2 

REMAEKS ON TOWj^JSHIP N° 1. 
Beginning at a wliite ash post [etc. as above] 



OS 



and commencing with 



'^ Upland of the 3'^ Quality, 
— -Timber beech, maple and hemlock, 
10 . . . . Thence ascending a hill facing southeasterly to the top 
° of said hill, and to the descent of the same facing north- 

.2 westerly, 

^ 13. . 70 to the bottom of said hill too steep for cultivation to a 
run* running southeasterl)-, and to tlie ascent of an- 
other hill facing northeasterly, Thence ascending 
16.. 30 to a beech post, 
.c 10. ... to the top of said hill, and to the descent of the same 
^ facing southwesterly. Thence descending said hill too 

^ steep for cultivation 

§ 10. . . . to the commencement of 



Upland of the 2'^ Quality, 

Timber black ash, birch maple, hemlock, beech, and 

white pine, Thence descending 
20. . . . to a birch sapling 
23. . 50 to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation, 

to a run running southerly, and to tiie ascent of a ridge 

facing easterly ; Thence ascending 
16. . 50 to a beech post, 
10. . . . to the top of said hill, and to the descent of the same 

facing westerly, Thence descending 
30 . . . . • to a beech post, 
12. . . . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation, 

to a run running southwesterly, and to the ascent of a 

ridge facing soutbeasterly, 
18.. .. to the top of said ridge, and to the descent of the 

sanie facing northwesterly, Thence descending 
10 . . . . to a hemlock post, 

15 . . . . to the bottom of said ridge not too steep for cultivation, 
16. . . . to a creekf two perches wide running southwesterly, 
9 . . . . to a beech post, 

* Coon Brook, f Little Qenesee Creek. 



c 


15. 
24. 
20. 


. 90 


o 
1 


20., 


. . . 




18. 


. 50 




21. 


. 50 




40. 


. 




40. 


\ 50 




6. 


• - • 




6. 


. 50 




27. 


. . . 



324 [Senate 

to the 148 mile tree in the Pennsylvania line 

to a white pine tree ;* Land level, 

to a run running southwesterly near its junction with 

Oswaiye Creek one chain wide running northwesterly 

and southwesterly, 

to a beech post, 

to a run running southerly, 
to a beech post, 
to a black ash post, Land level 
to an elm sapling, 
to a run running southwesterly, 
to the same nm running northwesterly, 
50 to Oswaiye Creek one chain wide running northwesterly 
to a hickory tree being the southwest corner of said 
Township 

Explored the 23*^, of October, 1798. 

[See also small Field Book No, 2.] 

VL 
Surveyed 
TOWNSHIP N° 1 in the 3" RANGE. 

[Portville. Cattaraugua Co., 1 R. S. 363, 365 (6th ed.)] 

Beginning at a hickory tree standing on the north boundary line 
of the state of Pennsylvania being the southeast corner of said Town- 
ship and the southwest corner of Townsliip N" 1 in the second range 
from which Tree three bounded trees bear, an elm north fifty one 
degrees east twenty one links, a hickoryf north twenty nine degrees 
west thirty six links, and a maitle sonth fifty three degrees east thirty 
four links. Thence running from the aforesaid iiickory tree West 
bounding south on the Pennsylvania line aforesaid. 

40 At forty chains, a black ash Xv^.q^ from M'hich two bounded 
trees bear, an elm north fifty three degrees east twenty one 
links and a maple north twenty eight degrees east thirty one links. 

80 At eighty chains a beech post from whi(;h three bonnded 
trees bear, a white pine north three degrees west nineteen links, 
another white pine east thirteen links, and a maple south forty 
two degrees east twenty links. 

*2U Mile tree, see note page 322. 

f The elm was standing in 1884 quite viprorous. The bark was smooth and 
showed no sigfns of marks. A block cut out of the south side revealed an ellipti- 
cal mark about the size of a man's hand about sis inches under the wood. From 
the appearance of the wood over the mark it seemed evident that the mark was 
made by cutting away and peeling the bark with a knife. No axe marks were 
seen and the shape of the mark was quite true. In 1878 the broken stub of the 
hickory witness was standing with the marks plainly showing iu the bark, 



No. 71.] 325 

120 At one hundred and twenty cliainsa maple tree from which 
two bounded trees bear, a maple south thirty five degrees east nine 
links and a white pine south fifty two degrees west twenty links. 

160 At one hundred and sixty chains a beech tree from which 
two bounded trees bear, a hemlock north eleven degrees east 
thirteen links, and. another hemlock east six links. 

200 At two hundred chains a beech tree from which one bounded 
tree bears, a beecli south twenty degrees west seventeen links. 

24:0 At two hundred and forty chains a hemlock post from which 
three bounded trees bear, a hemlock south fifty five degrees 
east fifteen links, another hemlock north thirty two degrees east 
fourteen links, and another hemlock south thirty six degrees 
east twenty five links. 

280 At two hundred and eighty chains a dogwood post from 
which two bounded trees bear, a hemlock north twenty three 
degrees east twenty three links, and another hendock north six 
degrees west sixteen links. 

320 Three hundred and twenty chains to a large stone being the 
southwest corner of said Township, and the southeast corner of 
Township N" 1 in the fourth range, from which stone two 
bounded ti-ees bear, a beech north eighty five degrees west 
twenty four links, and another beech north forty degrees east 
fourteen links. Thence running from the aforesaid stone North 



Range 3 

KEMARKS on TOWNSHIP Nr 1. 
Beginning at a hickory tree ....... 



[etc.. as above] 



and commencmg with 



CT o ^ Uplarid of the 1^*^ Quality 

°. Timber black ash, maple, elm, and beech, land level. 

2 10.- 50 to Oswaye creek two perches wide running south- 
westerly, 
50 to the same creek running northwesterly, 
; . to a black ash tree, 

. . to the ascent of a hill facing northeasterly northerly 
and northwesterly and to the commencement of 
Upland of the 3'^ Quality 
Timber, hemlock, beech, and black oak. 
Land, Steep and stony. 
Thence ascending 
50 to a run running northeasterly 





3. 




'^H 


o 

CO 


13 


lO _ 





1-4 




o 




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^ 




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7 



326 [Senate 

19 50 to a beech post, 

Thence descending said hill facing northwesterly, 

_ 30 . . too steep and stony for cultivation, 
^ Thence still descending 

,5 10 . . to a maple tree, 

^34 . . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
O and to a run running northwesterly, 

ci 6 . . to a beech tree and to the commencement of 



o 



g Bottom land of the 1*' Quality 

'J3 Timber, beech, maple, and elm, 

Q 11 50 to the Allegany river running northwesterly 

io 13 50 to the commencement of 



Upland of the 2^ Quality 

c Timber beecli and hemlock 

•;:: 15 . . to a beech tree 

O 20 . . to the ascent of a hill facing easterly and to the com- 
^ mencement of 



r^ 



Upland of the 3-^ Quality 

Timber hemlock and beech 
20 . . to a hemlock post on the top of said hill and to the de- 
scent of the same facing westerly 
18 . . to the bottom of said hill too steep for cultivation and 
O to the ascent of another hill facing southeasterly 

o 12 . . to the top of said hill and to the descent of the same 
I facing nortliM'esterly 

Thence descending 
10 . . to a dogwood post 
20 . . to the bottom of said liill too steep for cultivation 

50 to a run running southwesterly and to the ascent of a 
hill facing southeasterly, southerly and southwesterly. 
Thence ascending and descending said hill 
15 to the bottom of said hill too steep for cultivation, to a 

run* running southeasterly, and to the ascent of a hill 
facino; northeasterly. 
~ Ihence ascendmg 

^4 50 to a large stonef being the southwest corner of said 
^ Townsliip 



[etc. ; as above] 

Explored the 23'^ day of October 1798. 

{Surveyor 
for the Holland 
Land C" 

[See also small Field Books No 2 and 3.] 

_ ^ _ 

* Loup's Creek. ^ 

f This stone is described in the original Field Book. It was marked, East side, 
" W. & J. Willink's S. W. Corner ; " West side, " H. L. Co. Beg." It disappeared 
over forty years ago. 



No. 71.] 327 

YII. 
Surveyed, 

TOWNSHIP N° 1 in the 4'^^ RANGE. 

[Olean, Cattaraugus Co.,— 1 R. S.,363, 365 (6tli ed.)] 

Beginning at a large stone standing on the north boundary line 
of tiie state of Pennsylvania being the southeast corner of said 
Township and the southwest corner of Township N° 1 in the third 
range, from which stone two bounded trees bear, a beech north 
eighty live degrees west twenty four links, and another beech north 
forty degrees east fourteen links. Thence rurniing from the afore- 
said stone West bounding south on the north boundary line of 
Pennsylvania aforesaid. 

40 At forty chains a hemlock post from which two bounded 
trees bear, a hemlock noi'tli forty degrees west forty tive links, 
and another hemlock north seventy one degrees east thirty three 
links. 

SO At eighty chains a hemlock post from which three bounded 
trees bear, a beech south eighteen degrees west twenty four 
links, a hemlock north sixty five degrees west twenty seven 
links, and a beech north seventeen degrees east sixteen links. 

120 At one liundred and twenty chains a sugar maple post, from 
which two bounded trees bear, a sng-ar maple north thirty eight 
degrees west five links, and an ironwood north fifty degrees 
east twenty five links. 

ICO . At one hundred and sixty chains a hemlock post from 

• which three bounded trees bear, a beech south forty five degrees 

west twenty links, another beech noitli fifty three degrees west 

fort}' one links, and a hemlock north fifteen degrees east twenty 

eight links.* 

200 At two liundred chains an ironwood post from which two 
bounded trees bear, a beech south nineteen degrees east ten 
links, and a basswood Tiorth thirty eight degrees west twenty four 
links. 

240 At two hundred and forty chains a sugar maple post from 
which three bounded trees l)ear, a beech south twenty three 
degi'ees west four links, another beech north thirty one degrees 
west twenty nine links, and another beech north forty four 
degrees east nineteen links. 

2S0 At two hundred and eiglity chains a hemlock post from 
whieli two bounded' trees bear, a beech south twenty two 
degrees east eleven links, a sugar maple north eighty six degrees 
west twenty five links. 

* All of these witness trees were still vigorous in 1878. They have since been 
cut. 



328 



[Senate 



320 Three hundred and twenty chains to a sugar maple post 
being the southwest corner of said Township and the southeast 
corner of Township N° 1 in the fiftli range, from whicli post 
three bounded trees bear, a beech south forty live degrees east 
twenty seven links, another beech north fifty five degrees west 
ten links, and another beech north thirty three degrees east twenty 
seven links. Thence running from the aforesaid Sugar Maple 
post, North 

Range 4 

EEMAEKS on TOWNSHIP N° 1. 

Beginning at a large stone 



[etc., as above] 



and commencing: with 



o 






5 3 Upland of the 2^ Quality. 

Timber, hemlock beech, birch, sugar maple, black 
oak chesnut and white pine. Stony chocolate colourd 
soil 

11 . . to the ascent of a hill facing northeasterly, Thence 

ascending 
7 13 *tit for cultivation 

6 87 to the top of said hill not too steep but too stony for 

cultivation. 

7 . . to the descent of a hill facing southwesterly. Thence 

descending 

8 . . to a hemlock post 

5 . . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation, 

to a run running southeasterly and to the ascent of a 

hill facing northeasterly 
18 . . to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
5 . . to the descent of a hill facing southwesterly. Thence 
descending 

12 . . to a hemlock post 

21: . . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultiva- 
tion chocolate colourd soil 
5 . . to a runf rurming southeasterly 
11 . . to a sugar maple post 

10 . . to the ascent oi a hill facing northeasterly 
25 . . to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
5 . . to a hemlock post 

5 . . to the ascent of a hill facing northeasterly. Thence 
ascending 

■This is the location of Milestone 155 according- to the Field Book. 
■ Meek's Creek. 



No. 71, j 329 

12 30 *fit for cultivation 

2 70 to the top of said liill not too steep l)ut too stonj for 

cultivation 

5 .. to the descent of a hill facing southwesterly 

2 15 . . to an ironwood post and to the bottom of said hill 

i not too steep for cultivation chocohite colourd soil 

O 1 . . to a run running southeasterly and to the ascent of a 

"2 hill facing southeasterly easterly and northeasterly 

"T' 9 . . to a point of said hill facing southerly not too steep 

^ for cultivation and to the descent of the same liill 

facing southwesterly 

20 . . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 

1 50 to a run running sontheasterly 

7 . . to another runf running southeasterly 
1 50 to a sugar maple post 

12 . . to a run running northeasterly 

3 . . to the ascent of a hill facing northeasterly. Thence 

ascending 

1 82 :}:not too steep but too stony for cultivation. Thence 

still descending§ 
18 18 lit; for cultivation. Thence still descending! 
■ 5 . . to a hemlock post 

2 . . to the top of said hill too steep for cultivation and to 

the descent of the same facing southwesterly 
2T . . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultiva- 
tion 

3 . . to a run runing southeasterly 

8 . . to a sugar maple post being the southwest corner of 
said Township 

Explored the IS^'^ day of October, 1798. 

rSee also small Field Books No. 11 & 43.] 

YIII. 

Surveyed 

Township N° 1 in the S"' Range 

[Allegany, Cattaraugus Co., — 1 R. S. 362, 365, {6th ed.)] 

Beginning at a sugar maple post standing on the north boundary 
line of the state of Pennsylvania, being the southeast corner of' said 
Tfjwnship, and the southwest corner of Township N" 1 in the 
fourth Range, from which post four bounded trees bear, a beech north 
nine degrees west thirty links, another beech north thirty four east 
twenty live links, another beech north seventy eigiit degrees west 
twenty five links, and another beech north fifty four degrees west ten 
links. Thence running from the aforesaid sugar maple post West 

* To Milestone 157 (Field Book N°. 11.) ■]■ North Branch of Indian Creek. 
:j:To xMilestone 158 (F. B. K". 11.) § Sic. Ascending. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 7i.J 42 



330 [Senate 

bounding south on tlie north boundary of the state of Pennsylvania 
aforesaid. 

40 At forty chains an ironwood post 
80 At eighty chains a sugar maple post 

120 At one liuiitlred and twenty chains a sugar maple post 

160 At one hundred and sixty chains a maple post from which 
three bounded trees bear, a beech north twenty seven degrees 
west thirty four links, another beech nortli forty degrees east 
sixty seven liuks, and another beech south forty degrees west 
twenty six links. 

200 At two hundred chains a beech post from which two 
bounded trees bear, a chesnut south thirty nine degrees east 
twenty links and a beech north sixty three degrees east twenty 
seven links 

240 At two liundred and forty clwins a beech post from which 
three bounded trees bear, a beech noi'th sixty one west twenty 
one links, another beech north five degrees west sixteen links 
and another beech north thirty nine degz'ees cast four links. 

280 At two hundred and eighty chains a beech jiost from which 
two bounded trees bear, a maple south seventy four degrees 
west eight links, and a beech south sixty two degrees east forty 
Jinks. 

320 At three hundred and twenty chains a beech post from 
which three bounded trees bear, a hemlock south nineteen de- 
grees west eleven links, a white pine north forty nine degrees 
Avest thirty live and a half links, and a white oak nortli tifty 
one degrees east twenty three links. 

360 At three hundred and sixty chains a sugar maple post from 
which two bounded trees l)ear, a beech north thirty four de-. 
grees east seventeen links, and another beech north eighty nine 
degrees \\-est thirty one links. 

400 At four hundred chains a beech post from which three 
bounded trees bear, a hemlock* south thirty degrees west iifteen 
links, another hemlock north seventy live degrees east thirty 
links, and a beech north eighty six degrees west twenty links. 

440 At four hundred and forty chains a beech post from which 
two bounded trees bear a hemlock north eleven degrees and 
thirty minutes west eleven links, and another hemlockf south 
thirty eight degrees east twenty links. 

480 Four hundred and eightj^ chains to a chesnut post being 
the southwest corner of said Township and the southeast cor- 
ner of Township N** 1 in the sixth Kange f rom which post four 
bounded trees bear, a beecli s^mth fifty four degrees west twenty 
links, another beech south forty six degrees west thirty five 
links, a birch north seventeen degrees east eleven links, and 
another birch north thirty seven degrees thirty minutes west 
forty eight links. Thence running from the aforesaid chesnut 
post North 

* Cut iu vista, 1878. f Stauding in 1878. 



\ 



Ko. 71.] 331 

Range 5 

Remarks on Township N° 1. 

Beginning at a sugar maple post 

[etc., as above]. . . , 

.| and commencing with 

-Upland of the 2^ Quality 

Timber, sugar maple, beecii, oak white pine and under 
brush of laurel, 
to the 159"' mile stone 
to a run running southerly 
to an iron wood post 

to a creek* one perch wide running southei'ly 
to a bend of said creek running northeasterly and 
southeasterly 

to the ascent of a hill facing northeasterly 
Thence ascending along the side of said hill 
to a sugar maple post Thence still ascending 
to tlie IGl)^^ mile stone 
92 to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
to a sugar maple post 
to the descent of a hill facing westerly 
to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
to the ascent of a hill facing southeasterly 
Thence ascending said hill 
to a maple post 

to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
to the descent of a hill facing northwesterly 
Thence descending 
to the IGI*' mile stone. 

to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
to the ascent of a hill facing southeasterly 
to the top of said iiill not too steep for cultivation 
to the descent of the same hill facing southwesterly and 

^ southerly, and to the connnencemeut of 

Upland of the 3*^ Quality 

Timber, a thick growth of laurel 
Thence descending said hill 
4. . to a beech post 

18, . 50 to the bottom of said hill too steep and stony for culti- 
vation, to a runf running southwesterly, and to the 
ascent of a hill facing easterly 
. 11. . 50 to the top of said hill too steep for cultivation. 
^ 7.. to the descent of the same hill facing northwesterly 
^ Thence descending said hill 

to a beech post too steep for cultivation and to the com- 
mencement of 

* Indian Creek. f Knapp's Creek, 



a 

o 


a 

17. 

17. 


. 22 
. 28 


Q 

I. 


5. 

U. 

1. 

15. 

JO. 


. 50 




16. 


. 8 




13. 


. 92 




10. 






12. 






16. 






2. 






10. 






3. 




I-H 


5. 






7. 


. 11 


Q 


3. 
1. 


. 89 


T-l 

■t— 1 
1 


13. 

3. 





rJH 



332 [Sknate 

Upland of the 2" Quality 

Timber, cliesnut, heech, maple, white pine, ash, oak, and 

hcmloek 

to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation, 

to a run'^ running southerly, and to the ascent of a hill 

facing northeasterly Thence ascending said hill 

25 to the 162'' mile stone 

75 to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation. 

. . to a beecli post 

. . to the descent of a hill facing southwesterly Thence de- 
scending and ascending along the hide of said hill 

. . to a beecli post 

to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
34 to the IGH" mile stone 
66 to a beech post 

to the descent of a hill facing westerly southwesterly 

*- and northwesterly and to the commencement of 

Upland of the 3'' Quality 

Timber, hemlock and beech 
Thence descending said hill 
16.. to a spring running northwesterly 

^ 10. . to the bottom of said hill too steep and stony for culti- 

vation, and to a run running northwesterly 





7.. 




7.. 


rd 


18.. 


O 


2.. 


o 




oo 




I 


38 . .. 




10.. 


O 


4.. 


o 


25.. 


1 


10.. 



•v 4. . to a beech post and to the commencement of 

Upland of the 2^ Quality 

Timber, beech hendock, oak and maple. 

2. . 50 to a creekf one perch wide running southwesterly 

9. . to a run running southwesterly 

2. . 95 to the 1G4"» mile stone 

2. . 55 to a run running southwesterly 
^ 3.. to the ascent of a hill facing southeasterly southerly 

o and southwesterly 

^ Tlience ascending along the side of said hill 

n 20. . to a beech post 

(^ 3. . 50 to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation, 
^ to a run running southwesterly and to the ascent of a 

^ hill facing easterly 

iJ 29. . 50 to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 

g 7. . to a chesnut post being the southwest corner of the said 

^ Township 

O 

Oti 

I 



Explored the IS*'' October 1798 

[See also small Field Books No. 17, and 43.] 
* Pembroke Ruu. f Harrisburg Run. 



No. 71.] 333 

IX. 
Surveyed 

Township N° 1 in the 6*'' Rantre. 
[Carrolton, Cattaraugus Co., — 1 R. S. 365 (6th ed.)] 

Beginning at a chesnut post standing on the north boundary 
line of the state of Pennsylvania being the southeast corner of said 
Township and the southwest corner of Township N** 1 in the fifth 
liange from which post four bounded trees bear, a beech south fifty 
four degrees west twenty links, another beech south forty six degrees 
west tliirty five links, a bircli^ nortli seventeen degrees east eleven 
links, and another birch north thirty seven degrees thirty minutes 
west forty eight links. Thence running from the aforesaid chesnut 
post West bounding south on the north boundary line of the state 
of Pennsylvania aforesaid. 

40 At forty chains a beech post from whicli two bounded trees 
bear, a beech north sixteen degrees west thirty two links, & a 
hemlock south ten degrees west nine links. 

80 At eighty chains a sugar maple post from which three 
bounded trees bear a hemlock south fifty tliree degrees west 
tlfirty three links, another hemlock south twenty six degrees 
east fifty two links, and another hemlock north fifty seven de- 
grees east fifty eight links. 

120 At one hundred and twenty chains a hemlock post from 
which two bounded trees bear a white pine north forty fiv^e 
degrees east twenty two links, and a hemlock south nineteen 
degrees east fifty three links. 

160 At one hundred and sixty chains a sugar maple post from 
which three bounded trees bear, a beech north forty eight 
degrees west forty links, a maple north sixty eight degrees east 
forty five links, and another maple south twenty seven degrees 
west forty finks. 

200 At two hundred chains a sugar maple post from which two 
bounded trees bear, a white pine north seventeen degrees west 
twenty six links, and another white pine south forty six degrees 
west twenty two links. 

240 At two hundred and forty chains a sugar maple post from 
which three bounded trees bear a beech north twelve degrees 
west thirty eight links, a maple north forty eight degrees east 
forty nine links, and a birch south sixty five degrees east forty 
four links. 

280 At two hundred and eighty chains a sugar maple post from 
which two bounded trees bear, a sugar maple south sixteen 
degrees west thirty six links, and a beech north seventy three 
degrees west forty three links. 

320 At ihree hundred and twenty chains a birch post from which 

* Stump and fallen trunk Identified in 1878. 



334 [Senate 

three bounded trees bear, a beech south fifty nine degrees west 
seventeen links, another beech south ti.fty seven degrees east 
sixteen links, and another beech north twelve degrees west nine- 
teen links. 

360 At three hundred and sixty chains a sugar maple post from 
which two bounded trees bear, a birch north thirty degrees east 
nine links, and another birch* south sixty eight degrees east 
thirty eight links. 

400 At four hundred chains a sugar maple post from which three 
bounded trees bear, a beech south sixty eight degrees east seven- 
teen links, a sugar maple south twenty two degrees east 
twenty three links, and a birch north forty five degrees east 
seventeen links. 

440 At four hundred and forty chains a sugar maple post from 
which two bounded trees bear, a beech ni)rth ten degrees east 
twenty five links, and another beech south fourteen degrees east 
thirty eight links. 

480 Four hundred and eighty chains to a monument stone 
standing in the western Transit Meridian bearing east six chains 
and thirty three links from the 17 i**^ mile stone in said litie 
and marked on the east side" Holland Land C Southwest Cor- 
ner Range Is° 6 " on the west side " W & J WILLINK'S Rs^ 
N° 7" on the south side " P" on the north side '• T K° 1 " and 
on the top " Yar 1 W. July l®' 1799" being the southwest 
corner of said Township and the southeast corner of Township 
Iv'* 1 in the seventh Range, also the southwest corner of a tract 
of Land intended to contain looT^ooo ^''anted by Robert 
Morris and Mary his wife to Herman LeRoy John Linklaen 
and Gerritt Boone by deed dated the 27'*^ dav of F(ibruary 1793 
and the southeast corner of a tract of land containing 54,000 
acres granted by Robert Morris and Mary his wife to Herman 
Le Roy William Bayard and Mathew Clarkson by deed dated 
the 20^^ day of July 1793 from which stone three bounded trees 
bear, a beech north seventy one degrees west thirty eight links 
another beech north sixty degrees east twenty nine links, and 
another beech south fifty four degrees east thirty four links.f 
Thence runnins: from the aforesaid stone North along the 



aforesaid Western transit Meridian, 



* Standing in 1884. f All these witness trees were etauding in 1884. 



No. 71.J 335 



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REMARKS on TOWNSHIP N» 1. 
Beginning at a chesnut post 

[etc. , as above] 

and Cominencinff witli 



Upland of the 2** quality 

Timber, beech maple, cherry white pine, and chesnnt 

stony. 

to the descent of a hill facing westerly 

to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 

to a run running northwesterly 

to a beech post and to the descent of a hill facing 

northerly 

Thence descending along the side of said hill 
to a run running northwesterly 

to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation, 
to a sugar maple post 
to a run running northwesterly 
to another run running northwesterly 
to the ascent of a hill facing northerly. Thence as- 
cending and descending along the side of said hill 
to a hemlock post and to the Commencement of 

Upland of the 3"^ Quality 

Timber, white pine hemlock and beech. 

to the bottom of said hill not fit for cultivation. 

to the Commencement of 

Upland of the 2*^ quality 

Timber white pine hemlock and beech. 

to a sugar maple post and to the Commencement of 



Intervale of the 2*^ quality 

Timber, white pine, maple, elm, cucumber and Ijeech. 
to a run running southeasterly 

to a creek* five perches wide running northwesterly. 
to a sugar maple post and to a rim running north- 
westerly 
to the Commencement of 

Upland of the 2"^ quahty 

Timber, white pine, beech, birch and sugar maple. 

* Tunaung^uaut Creek. 



o 



336 [Senate 

8 . . to the ascent of a hill facing northeasterly and north- 
erly 
18 . . to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation and 
to the descent of the same facing northeasterly 
2 . . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
6 . . to a sugar maple post and to the ascent of a hill facing 
northeasterly 
^20 . . to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
to the coinuiencement of 

Upland of the 3'' quahty 

Thence descending said lull facing southwesterly 
. to the bottom of said hill too steep and too stony for 

cultivation 
. to a sugar maple post and to the Commencement of 

Upland of the 2" Quality 
Timber beech sugar maple and bass wood. 
. to a run running southeasterly 

. to the ascent of a hill facing easterly Thence ascending 
. nut too steep for cultivation to the commencement of 

Upland of the 3^ quality 

14 . . to the Top of said hill not fit for cultivation 
6 . . to a birch post very stony 

15 . . to the descent of a hill facing southeasterly southerly 

and southwesterly thence descending and ascending 
along the side of said hill 
20 . . to the top of said hill too steep and stony for cultiva- 
tion 

5 . . to a sugar maple post 

10 . . to the descent of a hill facing westerly 
23 50 to the bottom of said hill too steep for cultivation to a 
run running southwesterly 

6 50 to a sugar maple post 

^•4 .. to a run* running southeasterly 

O 2 . . to the ascent of a hill facing easterly 

2 15 . . to the top of said hill too steep & stony for cultivation 

'-p' 20 . . to a sugar maple post and to the commencement of 







^ 


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__ Upland of the 2^ Quality 

^ Timber, Sugar maple, beech birch and elm. 

^40 . . to a monument stone standing in the western Transit 

^ Meridian [et*"-. aa above] 

Explored the 9^^ day of July 1799 

[See also small Field Books No 43, 46 & G3j 
* Bolivar Brook. 



No. 71.] 337 



[WILLINK STRIP.} 

SurTeyed That part of Township N** 1 in the Seventh Range 
which is inehided in Williani & John Willinks 54000 Acre Tract. 

Beginning at a stone niai ked on the west side " Holland Land 
C " on the east side " W & I W " and on the south side " P " 
standing in the north boundary line of the state of Pennsylvania 
being the southwest corner of a Tract of Land granted by Robert 
Morris and Mary his Wife to Plerman Le Roy William Bayard and 
Matthew Clarkson by Deed dated the Twentieth day of luly one 
thousand seven hnndred and ninety three contaiaiug fifty four thou- 
sand acres, also the southeast corner of a Tract of Land granted by 
Robert Morris and Mary his Wife to Herman Le Roy and lohn 
Lincklaen by deed dated the twenty fourth day of December one 
thousand seven hundred and ninety two containing five hundred 
thousand acres from which stone three bounded trees bear a birch 
south twenty degrees west twenty three links, a hemlock north 
twenty two degrees east nine links, another hemlock north forty 
three degrees west fifty-four links. Thence running from the afore- 
said stone East bounding south on the north boundary line of the 
State of Pennsylvania aforesaid 

33. 68 A.t thirty three chains and sixty eight links a birch 
post from which threebounded trees bear, a birch north fif- 
teen degrees east thirty two links, another birch north 
seventy four degrees west seventeen links, and another 
birch south five degrees east fourteen links. 
73. 68 At seventy three chains and sixty eight links an ii-on 
wood post from which two bounded trees bear: a beech 
north thirty-nine degrees west thirteen links, and a maple 
south fifty-six degrees west thirty-six links 
113. 68 One hundred and thirteen chains and sixty eight 
links to a monument stone marked on the east side "■ iJol- 
land Land C° southwest corner Range N" 6" on the west 
side " W. and I. Willinks Rg^ N" 7 '' on the south side 
"P" on the north side "T^JNT" 1" and on the top " Var 
1 W luly 1'*. 1799" standing in the Western Transit Meri- 
dian Line being the southeast corner of the aforesaid fifty 
four thousand acre Tract also the southeast corner of said 
Township and the southwest corner of Township N" 1 in 
the sixth range from which stone three bounded trees bear, 
a beech north seventy one degrees west thirty eight links 
- another beech north sixty deirrees east twenty nine links 
and another beech south fifty four degrees east thirty four 
links. Thence running from the aforesaid stone North 
along the western Transit Meridian line aforesaid 

I certify that the foregoing is an accurate description of that part 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 43 



338 [Senate 

of Township N° 1 in the seventh Range which is included in Wil- 
liam and lohn Willinks Hfty four tliousand acre tract compared with 
and corrected from the oriojinal Field Notes. 

JOSEPH ELLIOOTT | .J^Zu^ C' 

Range 7. 

Remarks on that part of Townsliip N° 1 in the Seventh Range 
which is included in William & lohn Wil links 54000 acre Tract. 



a 



CO 



Beginning at a stone [etc.] 

and commencing with 



cc 


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30 




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CD 






CO 








2S 


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4 




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1 




I. 







Intervale of the 2*^ quality 

Timber beech birch elm and hemlock 

to a run* running southeasterly 

to another run running t-outheasterly 

to a birch post and to the Commencement of 

Upland of the Z^ Quality 

Timber hemlock and beech 
16 50 to run running soutlierly and to the ascent of a hill 
^ facing westerly 

^ 13 50 to the top of said hill too steep and rocky for cultiva- 
2 tion and to the Commencement of 



Upland of the 2" Quahty 

Timber beech, maple, white pine black oak and chesnut 
10 to an ironwood post 
40 to a monument stone marked on the east side 



Explored luly 1799. 

[See also small Field Books N", 43 & 68.J 

XI. 
Surveyed 

That part of . 
Township i\? 1 in the 7*^ Range 
which includes only Holland Land Company Lands. 
[Red House, Cattaraugus Co., — 1 R. S. 363, (6tli ed.)] 
Beginning at a monument Stonef standing in the north boundary 

* Head of Bennett Brook. 

f South-west Corner of the Willink Strip. Replaced with a new monument in 

1884. 



No. Tl.] 339 

line of the State of Pennsylvania, marked on the west side '■^Hol- 
land Land Co " on tlie east side " IF cfc J IF," and on the sonth 
side " /*," being tlie southwest comer of a tract of Land granted by 
Ilobert Mori-is and Mary his Wife, to Herman Lc Roy, William 
Bayard, and Mathew Clarkson, by Deed dated the twentieth day of 
July One thousand seven hundred and ninety three, contain- 
ing fifty four thousand acres, from which Stone three bounded trees 
bear, a bircii south twenty degrees west twenty three links, a hem- 
lock north twenty two degrees east nine links, and another hemlock 
north forty three degrees west fifty four links. Thence running 
from the aforesaid Stone West bounding south on the north bound- 
ary line of the State of Pennsylvania aforesaid 

6 . . 32 At six chains and thirty two links, a hemlock post from 
which two bounded trees bear, a hemlock north twenty 
three degrees west nineteen links, and a beech south sixty 
four degrees west thirteen links. 
46.. 32 At forty six chains and thirty two links a hemlock 
post from which three bounded trees bear, a white pine* 
south forty five degrees west thirty six links, a beech north 
forty four degrees west twenty seven links, and a birch 
north one degree east thirty three links. 
86.. 32 At eighty six chains and thirty two links a hemlock 
post from which two bounded trees bear, a chesinit north 
thirty two degrees west eleven links, and a beech south 
thirty eight degrees west sixteen links. 
126. .32 At one hundred and twenty six chains and thirty two 
links, a sugar maple post from whi(;h three bounded treesf 
bear, a beech south fifty three degrees west forty five links, 
a birch north twenty five degrees east seven links, and a 
hemlock south thirty degrees east forty five links. 
166. .32 At one hundred and sixty six chains and tliirty two 
links a hemlock post from which two bounded trees bear, 
a beechf south nineteen degrees west twenty four links, 
and white ash north seventeen degrees west twenty four 
links. 

206.. 32 At two hundred and six chains and thirty two links a 
hemlock post from which three bounded trees bear, a hem- 
lock north fifty degrees west twenty eight links, another 
hemlock:}: south twelve degrees east twenty three links, and 
another hemlock north sixty degrees east forty five links. 

246. . 32 At two hundred and forty six chains and thirty two 
links, a birch post from which two bounded trees bear, a 
beech south seventy six degrees west twenty eight links, and 
a hemlock north forty four degrees west twenty three links. 

* Slump identified in 1879. 

f All staudinfr and vigorous in 1879. The bircli wag cut in the vista. A monu- 
ment was set for this post in 1884. The beech and hemlock witnesses were still 
Btanding. 



340 [Senate 

286 . . 32 At two Inmflred and eighty six chains and thirty two 

links a white pine post-from which three bounded trees bear, 
a pine* south sixtj two degrees west twenty five Ihiks 
another pine north twenty nine degrees west twenty six 
links, and a beechf south sixty seven degi'ees east twenty 
nine Hnks. 
-326.. 32 At three h II mired and twenty six chains and thirty 
two links a white ash post from whicli two bounded treesf 
bear, a hemlock north fifteen degrees wetvt eleven links, and 
a sugar maple south two degrees west ten links. 

366 . . 32 At three hundred and sixty six chains and thirty two 
links a hemlock post from which three bounded trees bear, 
a hemlock:}: south thirty six degrees west eighteen links, 
another liemlock§ south fifty degrees, east eighteen links, 
and a birch north forty degrees west thirteen links. 

406 . . 32 At four hundred and six chains and thirty two links a 
sugar maple post from which two bounded trees bear, a 
beech north sixteen degrees east twenty seven links, and 
another beech south seventy four degrees east twenty six 
links. 

422.. 56 Four hundred and twenty two chains and fifty six 
links to a chesnut post being the southwest comer of said 
Township and the southeast corner of Township N". 1 in 
the eighth Range from which post two bomided trees bear, 
a sugar maple|| north thirty two degrees thirty minutes east 
fifty six links, and a birch north sixty one degrees west 
forty links. Thence running from the aforesaid chesnnt 
post North 

* Standing in 1879. 

\ Standing in 1879. 

J Both standing in 1879, with remnants of original post among the roots. 
Both trees were vigorous in 1884. 

i^ Two witness trees standing in 1879. 

jl Standing in 1884, when a monument was set at this point. Alsoa beech 14' d. 
77 links N. 46 W., marked by the surveyor who subdivided the Township west 
of it into sections. 



2S"o.71.] 341 

Range 7 

Remarks on that part of Township N® 1 which includes only 
Holland Land Company Lands. 

Beginning at a monument Stone 






CO 



o 



o 



o 



o 



[etc., as above] 

and commencing with 



c Intervale of the 2^ Quality 

^ Timber beech, birch, ehn, and hemlock 

O 6 .. 32 to a hemlock post, and to the commencement of 



« Intervale of the 3** Quality 

'U Timber beech, birch, hemlock and shinwood 

Q Covered with moss 



40 . . to a hemlock post, and to the commencement of 



Upland of the 3^^ Quality 
Timber, hemlock and beech 
Stony and Mossy. 



^ 40 . . to a hemlock post, and to the commencement of 

00 Upland of the 2"^ Quality. 

•§ Timlier, hemlock, beech, chesnut and cucumber 

^ 20. . to the descent of a hill facing north-westerly 

o 20. . to a sugar maple post at the bottom of said hill not too 

't steep, for cultivation, and to the commencement of 



Upland of the 3^ Quality 

Timber, beech, hemlock birch and chesnut 
« Stony, rocky, and inossy. 

•3 1. . to a spring running northwesterly 
^ 9.. . to a run* running northwesterly 



3.. to another run running northwesterly 



*^ 7. . to the commencement of 



52 Upland of the 2"^ Quality 

•g Timber, hemlock, maple, beech, chesnut, and white pine 

Q 20. . to a hemlock post 



20 . . to the descent of a hill facing southwesterly 



* Branch of Quaker Run. 



342 [Senate 

^ Thence descending along the side of said hill not too 

steep for cultivation, 
to a hemlock post aud to the commencement of 

Upland of the 3'^ Quality 

Timber, hemlock, beech, and white pine. 

Very mossy 

to the bottom of said hill not too steep but too stony 

for cultivation, aud to the commencement of 

Intervale of the 2^* Quality 

Timber, beech, sugar maple, and hemlock. 

to a run running northwesterly 

to another run* running northwesterly 

to a birch post 

to the ascent of a hill facing northeasterly, aud to the 

commencement of 

Upland of the 2^ Quality 

Timber, white pine, birch, beech, sugar maple, hemlock, 

and black oak 

to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 

to a white pine post 

to the descent of a hill facing southwe&tei-ly 

to a white ash post at the bottom of said hill not too 

steep for cultivation 

to the commencement of 

Intervale of the 2'^ Quality 

Timber beech, elm sugar maple and cucumber 
. . to a hemlock post 
50 to a creekf one perch wide running northwesterly 

to a run running northeasterly 
50 to another run running northeasterly 
. . to the commencement of 

Upland of the 2"^ Quality 
Timber, beech, sugar maple, and hemlock 
8. . 50 to a run running northeasterly 

50 to tiie ascent of a hill facing easterly 
13 . . to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation, and 
to tlie descent of the same facing westerly. 
Thence descending 
3 . . to a sugar maple post 
16. . 24 to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation, 
and to a chesnut post being the southwest corner of 

said Township 

Explored the 22'^ day of June 1797 

[See also small Field Book N". 43.] 

* East Braucli of Quaker Ruu. f Quaker Run or Tunessassa. 



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No. n.] 343 

XII. 
Surveyed 

Township N" 1 in the 8**^ Eange. 

[East Part of South Valley. Cattaraugus Co., — 1 R. S, 366 (6tli ed).] 

Beginning at a white oak post standing in the northern 
boundary hue of the State of Pennsylvania being the soutliwest 
corner of said Township and a corner of Allegany Reservation'^ 
from which post four bounded trees bear, a white oak noith 
fifteen degrees west seventeen links, another white oak north 
seventy nine degrees east twenty one links, a white pine south 
seventy five degrees east forty five links, and a hickory south 
fifty one degrees west seventeen links. Thence running from 
the aforesaid white oak post Westf bounding south on the 
north boundary line of the State of Pennsylvania aforesaid, 
4:0 At forty chains an ironwood post from which two bounded 
trees bear, a white oak south eight degrees east fifteen links 
and a beech north six degrees west thirty five links. 
80 At eighty chains a sugar maple post from which three 
bounded trees bear, a sugar maple north sixty four degrees east 
eleven links, a white oak north fifty one degrees east twenty 
three links, and a maple north twelve degrees west thirty four 
links. 

120 At one hundred and twenty chains a sugar maple i>ost from 
which two bounded trees bear a black oak north fifty eight 
degrees west twenty one links, and a white oak north sixty eight 
degrees east thirty four links. 

160 x\t one hundred and sixty chains a sugar maple post from 
which three bounded trees bear, a black oak north seventeen 
degrees east sixteen links, a chesnut north forty five degrees east 
forty six links, and a sugar maple north sixty six degrees west 
thirty links. 

200 At two hundred chains a white pine post from which two 
bounded trees bear, a chesnut north forty six degrees east twenty 
one links, and another chesnut north ten degrees east twenty 
seven links. 

240 At two hundred and forty chains a white pine post from 
which three bounded trees bear, a white pine north fourteen 
degrees west thirty five links, a chesnut north four degrees west 
thirty seven links, and a white pine north seventy one degrees 
east thirty seven links. 

280 At two hundred and eighty chains a sugar maple post from 
which two bounded trees becir, a white oak north twenty six 
degrees east forty links, and a sugar maple south eighty eight 
degrees east seventeen links. 

* An Iron Monument was set in 1878 by the United States to marK this corner. 
It is 0.55 feet too far south, 
f Error, Uast. 



344 [Senate 

320 At three hundred and twenty chains a sugar maple post 
from which three bounded trees bear, a sugar maple north sixty 
degrees west thirty six links, another sugar maple south sixty- 
degrees east eleven links, and another sugar maple north twenty 
five degrees east foi'tj live links. 

360 At three hundred and sixty chains a beech post from which 
three bounded trees bear, a birch* north nine degrees west tliiity 
two links, and a beech south sixty seven degrees west sixty one 
links. 

400 At four liundred chains a beech post from which three 
bounded trees bear, a hendock north tifty nine degrees west 
thirty links, another hemlock* south forty degrees west six links, 
and another hemlock south eighty degrees east twentyseven links. 

440 At four hundred and forty chains a sugar maple post from 
which two bounded trees bear, a beech south thirty three degrees 
west thirty seven links, and a sugar maple south live degrees 
east thirty four links. 

410 Four hundred and eighty chains to a chesnut post being 
the southeast coi-ner of said Township and the southwest corner 
of Township N° 1 in the seventh Range from which post two 
bounded trees bear, a sugar maple north thirty two degrees 
thirty minutes east fifty six links, and a birch north sixty one 
degrees west forty links. Thence running from the aforesaid 
chesnut post North 

Range 8 
Remarks on Township N° 1 in the 8"' Range 

Beginning at a white oak post 



[etc , as above] 



and Commencing with 



O" .a /3 

^ Upland of the 2*^ Quality 

Q Timber black and white oak and white pine. 

CO Thence ascending a hill facing westerly 

•§ 5 , . to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 

g 7 . . to tiie descent of said hill facing easterly 

4 . . to the bottom of said hill too steep for cultivation 

2 . . to a run running northeasterly and to the Conmience- 

— ■ ment of 

— Upland of the 1 quality 

Timber black and white oak cucumber and maple. 



cr> 



13 . . to a run running northeasterlyf 



* Vigorous in 1884. 

f Should be • south-easterly." 





2 




3 


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No. 71.] 345 

7 . , to another run ninning northwesterly* and to tlie 
ascent of a hill facing southeasterly,'" Thence ascending 
. . to an iron wood post 
. . to a spring running southeasterly 

Thence still gently ascending 
. . to the Top of said hill and to the descent of the same 

facing southeastei'ly easterly and northeasterly 
. . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
, . to the descent of a hill facing northeasterly 

Tiience descending 
. . to a Sugar maple post 

50 to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation, 
to a run running northeastei'ljf to the ascent of a hill 
facing northerly t & to the commencement of 
Upland of the 2'' quality 
^ Timber black and white oak chesnut, white pine, &c. 

'T^ 21 . . to the top of said hill too steep for cultivation and to 
^ the descent of the same facing easterly, 

o Thence descending 

^, 5 75 to the IS'i*^ mile Stone Thence still descending 
^ 10 75 to a sugar maple post 

CO 6 . . to the bottom of said hill too steep for cultivation, to a 
"T run running northeasterly:]; and to the ascent of a hill 

*- facing southwesterly 

1 50 to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation and 
to the descent of the same facing northeasterly:}: 

1 50 to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 

to a run running northwester]y§ 
9 . . to the ascent of a hill facing northwesterly and north- 
erly 

2 . . to the top of said hill too steep for cultivation 

3 . . to the descent of the same hill facing northeasterly 

5 . . to the bottom of said hill too steep for cultivation & to 
a run running northei'lyf 
50 to the ascent of a hill facing northwesterly 
11 50 to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation to a 
sugar maple post and to the descent of said hill facing 
southeasterly and easterly 
28 50 to the bottom of said hill too steep for cultivation to a 
*3 run running northeasterly*^ and to the ascent of a hill 

^ facing north-westerly 

o 7 50 to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
'"■? 10 . . to the descent of said hill facing southeasterly and 
^ southerly thence descending 

* Should be " south westerly," and" north-westerly." 

•f- Should be " south-easterly" and '•' southerly." 

i Should be " south-easterly." g Should be "south-westerly." 

j Should be " southerly." ^Should be " south-westerly." 

[Sen. Doc. No, 71.] 44 



'« 


7 


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25 


-* 


Id 


CO 

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10 









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o 




Ol 




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I 







346 [Senate 

03 to the 18P* mile stone 

Thence still descending 
97 to a wliite pine post too steep for cultivation 
. . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
. . to a white pine post 
. , to the Commencement of 

Upland of tlie V^ quality 
Timber, oak sugar maple and chesnut 
. . to the descent of a hill facing southeasterly and to the 
commencement of 



Upland of the 2^ quality 
Timber black and white oak, beech, chesnut white pine 
hemlock & birch 
12 , . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
and to a run running northeasterly 
50 to the ascent of a hill facing northeasterly* thence as- 
cending along the side of said hill 
5 50 to a sugar maple post 
g 25 . . to the top of said hill facing westerly too steep forcul- 
"S tivation 

Q 3 . . to the descent of a hill facing southeasterly 
CO Thence descending 

"? 12 . . to a Sugar maple post not too steep for cultivation 

. . to the bottom of said hill too steep for cultivation 
50 to a run running northeasterly 
50 to the Commencement of 

Upland of the 1^' quality 
Timber sugar maple beech & birch 
. . to a run running northeasterly and to the ascent of a 
hill facing northwesterly and to the Commencement of 



Upland of the 3"^ quality 

1. . 50 to the top of said hill too steep for cultivation and to 
G the descent of the same facing southeasterly 

^ 1. . 50 to the bottom of said hill too steep for cultivation and 
^ to a runf running northwesterly and to the Commence- 

^ ment of 

Upland of the 2^ quality 

Timber sugar maple, beech, hemlock, and birch 

4 . . to a run running northwesterly:}: 



o 


5 


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CM 

1 


14 


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* Should be "north-westerly." f Wolf Run. 

:j: Milestone 179 was found standing a little east of this point, 



No. 71.] 347 

, . to a beech post 

. . to the same run i-unning southwesterly 
. . to a beech post and to the ascent of a hill facing west- 
erly and southwesterly 
. . to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 

. . to the descent of said hill facing southeasterly and 

easterly 
. . to the bottom of said hill not too steep foi- cultivation 
. . to the ascent of a hill facing westerly and southwesterly 
. . to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
50 to the 178"" Mile Stone and to the descent of said hill 
facing easterly 
Thence descending 
50 to a sugar maple post 

. . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
50 to a run* running northerly 

50 to a chesnut post being the southeast corner of said 
Township 



CO 


2 
5 


Q 


35 


CO 

i 


7 




3 




5 




7 




10 




6 




1 




10 




6 




23 



Explored the 15"' day of October 1798 

[See also Small Field Book N". 23.J 

[Note. — The topogjrapliy upon the first three miles of this township is somewhat 
mixed iu this record.] 

XIIL 
Surveyed 

[T. 1, R 9.] 

[West Part of South Valley, Cattaraugus Co., - 1 R. S. 366 (6th ed.)] 
Begiiiniiig at a beech post standing in the north boundaiw line of 
the State of Pennsylvania being the southwest corner of said 
Township and the southeast corner of Township N° 1 in the tenth 
Range from which post two bounded treesf bear, a white pine north 
thirty six degrees east forty five links and a poplar north seventy 
nifie degrees west forty nine links. Thence running from the afore- 
said beech post East bounding south on the north boundary line of 
the state of Pennsylvania aforesaid 

40 At forty chains a beech post from which two bounded trees 
bear, a sugar maple north seventy one degrees west twenty 
seven links, and a chesnut north thirty five degrees east twenty 
one links. 

80 At eighty chains a beech post from which three bounded 

* South Branch of Quaker Run. 

f Witnesses identified in 1870 by Mr. Hinckley, (South-east corner of Chautau- 
q,ua county.) 



348 [Senate 

trees bear, a hemlock nortli seventy nine degrees west forty five 
linlvs, another hemlock north fifteen degrees west twenty two 
links, and a beefh north nineteen degrees east twenty links. 

120 At one hundred and twenty a birch post from which two 
bounded trees bear, a beech north thirty eiglit degrees west 
thirty four links, and a hemlock north thirty seven degrees east 
twenty three hnks. 

160 At one hundred and sixty chains a beech post from which 
three bounded trees bear, a beech north eighty degrees west 
thirty two links, another beech north twelve degrees west twenty 
five links, and another beech north forty five degrees east thirty 
three links 

200 At two hundred chains a beech post from which two bounded 
trees bear, a white pine north forty one degrees west forty five 
links, and a hemlock north twenty one degrees east twenty one 
links. 

2-iO At two hundred and forty chains a hemlock post from which 
three bounded trees bear, a hemlock north forty one degrees 
west thirty two links, a white pine north nine degrees west 
twenty five links, and a hemlock north seventy eight degrees 
east twenty six links. 

280 At two hundred and eighty chains a beech post from which 
two bounded trees bear, a beech north twenty nine degrees west 
twenty eight links, and another beech north six degrees east 
twenty three links. 

320 At tliree hundred and twenty chains a sugar maple tree 
from which three bounded trees bear, a beech north fifty one 
degrees west forty six links, a sugar maple north thirty degrees 
east forty one links, and a basswood north sixty tw^o degrees east 
twenty five links. 

343 Three hundred and forty three chains to a beech post being 
a corner of said Township and the south-westernmost corner of 
Allegany Reservation* from which post seven bounded trees 
bear, a hemlock north five degrees east twenty links another 
hemlock nortli twenty degrees east fifteen links, another hem- 
lock north fifty four degrees west twenty nine links, another 
hemlock south seventy one degrees west twenty three links, a 
beech south twenty nine degrees thirty minutes west twenty 
eight links, another beech south three degrees west twenty four 
links & another beech south sixty eight degrees east twenty 
seven links. Thence running from the aforesaid beech post 



Nortli six degrees East 



* Marked in 1884 by a Granite Monument, with the U. S Iron Monument 
North of it. 



No. 71.] 



349 



Range 9 
Beginning at a beecli post 

[etc. , as above] 

and Commencino; with 



O" 



•5 

r-; 

o 

o 



CO 

•S 
5 

tH 

o 



-Upland of the '2^ qnah'ty 

Timber black oak chesnnt, white pine and sugar 

maple. Land stony. 

to the descent of a hill facing southeasterly 

to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 

to the ascent of a hill facing southwesterly 
10 . . to the top of said hill too steep for cultivation 
10 . . to a beech post 

5 . . to the descent of a hill* facing southeasterly 
2i , . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation, 
— to a I'unf running northeasterly and to the ascent of 

a hill facing northwesterly 

4 . . to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
7 . . to a beech j)ost 

5 . . to the descent of a hill facing northeasterly 

10 50 to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 

to a runf. running southeasterly 

24 50 to a birch post 

13 50 to a run running southeasterly 
26 50 to a beech post 
4 . . to a run running southeasterly 

11 . . to another run running southeasterly 

25 . . to a beech post 

6 . . to the descent of a hill facing easterly 

4 . . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation, 
to a run running southerly and to the ascent of a hill 
facing westerly 
4 . . to the top of said hill too steep for cultivation 
4 . . to the descent of a hill facing southeasterly 
Thence descending 

22 . . to a hemlock post 

23 . . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation, 

and to a run running northeasterly 

1 62 to the 186'" Mile Stone 

2 38 to a run:|: running northeasterly 

3 . . to the ascent of a hill facing northwesterly 

Thence ascendinsr 



♦RobbinsHill. 
f State Line Run. 
section. 
X State Line Run, 



Milestone 188 is a sbort distance east of tbe second inter< 



350 [Senate 

10 . . to a beech post 

11 50 to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
5 50 to the descent of a hill facing southeasterly. 

Thence descending 
23 . . to a sugar maple tree 

1 50 to the bottom of said hill not too steep for cultivation 
3 50 to a run running nortlieasterly 

13 50 to the ascent of a hill facing northwesterly ^ 

2 50 to the top of said hill not too steep for cultivation 

2 . . to a beech post being a corner of said Township .... 



Explored the day of 

JOSEPH ELLICOTT | fSd Wl C» 

[See also Small Field Book No. 23.] 

[The Allegany Indian Reservation, the south end of which comprises the re- 
maining 137 chains of the south line of Township I, Kange 9, was surveyed iu 
Sept., 1798, by Richard M. Stoddard, whose notes are contained iu small Field Book 
N = . 49. The South-west cornerof the Reservation is 4^'* chains West of Mile- 
stone 185.] 

XIV. 
Surveyed 

Township N° 1 in the lO^l^ Range 

[Carroll and small part of Kiantone, Chautauqua Co. — 1 R. S. 367 (6"> ed ).] 

Begiiiiiiilg at an Iron wood post standing in the Xorth boundary 
Line of the State of Pennsylvania it being the South west corner of 
said Township, also the Southeast corner of Township 1^° 1 in the 
eleventh Range from which post four bounded trees bear ; an Elm* 
north fifty seven degrees west thirty six links another Elm* south 
fifty five degrees west thirteen links ; a Sugar Maple north thirteen 
degrees east forty seven links; and an Iron wood South seventy 
four degrees east twenty five links ; and thence running East bound- 
ing south on the north boundary Line of the State of Pennsylvania 
aforesaid — [at forty cliains, a Maple Post from which two bounded 
treesfbear; a White Oak north thirty eight degrees west tw^enty 
nine links; and a Hickory north thirty five degrees east forty seven 
links ; at eighty chains a Hickory Post from whit-h two bounded 
trees bear ; a Cucumber wood north fifty two degrees west twenty 
eight links ; and a White Pine north one degree east fifty two links ; 
at one hundred and twenty chains, a Birch Post from which two 
bounded treesf l»ear ; a Birch north forty degrees west eleven links; 
also another Birch north seventy three degrees east twenty five 
links ; one hundred and thirty three chains to west bank of the 

*Elm stumps identified in 1870 by 0. D. Hinckley. Gone in 1878. 
f Identified in 1870 by Mr. Hinckley. 



No. 71.] 851 

Canawango River, at one hundred and thirty five chains and eighty 
one links across to the east side of the aforesaid river at one hundred 
and sixty chains a white pine post from which two bounded trees* 
bear, an Hemlock north twenty degrees east nine links ; also another 
Hemlock north fifty five degrees west thirty seven links ; at two 
hundred chains a white Ash Post from which two bounded trees 
bear, a Sugar Maple north fifty two degrees east twenty two links 
also another Sugar Maple north forty five degrees west thirty eight 
links; at two liundred and forty chains, a White Ash Post from 
which two bounded treesf bear, a White Pine north thirty degrees 
east fifty three links; also another White Pine north three degrees 
East forty six links ; at two hundred and eighty chains, a Chesnut 
Post from which two bounded trees bear, a Chesnut:j: north forty 
five degrees west tlnrty two links ; and a White Ash:{; north sixty 
five degrees east fotirteen links ; at three hundred and twenty 
chains, a red Oak Post from which two bounded trees bear ; a 
White Oak§ north forty two degrees west seven links; and a Ches- 
nut north sixty six degrees east eleven links ; at three liundred 
and sixty chains, a Maple tree from which two bounded trees bear ; 
a Maple north thirty one degrees east thirty five links ; and an Hem- 
lock north thirty five degrees west twenty one links; at four 
hundred chains, a Beech Post from which two bounded trees bear ; 
an Hemlock north two degrees west nineteen links; also another 
Hemlock north forty seven degrees east fifty three links; at four 
hundred and forty chains, a Beech Post from which two bounded 
trees]! bear; a Beech north seventy one degrees east twenty two 
links ; also another Beech north seventy three degrees west eight 
hnks ; ] — four hundred and eighty chains, to a Beech Post being 
the sontheast corner of said Township also the southwest corner of 
Township ]S'?. 1 in the ninth Range from which Post two bounded 
trees bear; a White Pine north thirty six degrees east forty five 
links and a Poplar north seventy nine degrees west forty nine links; 
Thence running from said Post North 

* Identified in 1870 by Mr. Hinckley. 

f Stnnips of Witness trees identified in 1870 by Mr. Hinrkley. 
:{: White Ash Witness and Chestnut stump identified by Mr. Hinckley in 1870. 
^ Down in 1870, identified then by Mr. Hinckley. Mr. H.'s stake was replaced 
with a granite monument in 1884. 
Jl Both standing in 1878. 



352 [Senate 



Range 10th 

HemarTcs on Township N?. 1. 
Beginning at an Iron wood Post 
[etc., as above] 



rs ta 



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10 


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Commencing with Upland of the 1?'. quality 

timbered with Sugar maple Elm Iron wood Cherry and 

Cucumber wood Hickory Pine &c, 

to the ascent of a side hill facing northerly 

to a Soft Maple Post on the side of said hill 

to the commencement of 



Up Land of the 21"? quality 

timber White Oak Red Oak White Pine & Hickory 

to an Hickory Post on the side of the above mentioned 

hill 

the bottom of the aforesaid hill fit for tillage 

to the commencement of 

a Swamp* Miry 

timber Black Ash 

to a Birch Post standing in said swamp 

to the Commencement of 



Bottom Land of the 2"4 quality 
timbered with BeechElm Basswood Birch &c 
. . to the west brink of the Canawongo River 
81 across to the east bank of said River nine Perches 

wide running southeasterly 
19 to the commencement of 

Bottom Land of the 1?* quality 

timber Basswood Hickory Beech <fe Sugarmaple 

50 to a small run Running southwesterly 

50 to the commencement of 

— Bottom Land of the 2'?!' quality 

timber Beech Hemlock Elm Basswood Birch and 

Black Ash 
16. . . . to a White Pine Post 

*Conewango Swamp. 



No. 71.] 353 

CO 5 . . . . to a small run Running southwesterly 

50 to a small run Kunning southerly 

. , to another small run Running southerly 

. . to a small run Running southerly 

50 to the commencement of 



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Up Land of the 1?^ quality 

timber White Pine Sugarmaple Beech Elm White Ash 

and Hemlock 
50 to a small run Running southwesterly and the ascent 

of a side hill facing southerly 
5() to a White Ash Post on the side of said hill to the 

Commencement of 

Up Land of the 2?? quality 

timber White Pine soft Maple Beech White Oak Red 
a Oak and Hickory 

'§ 26 . . . . to the bottom of said hill not too steep for tillage and 
O to a small run Running southwesterly likewise the 

^ ascent of a hill facing west 



^ 9 . . . . ascending to the top of said hill not too steep for till- 
O age and the commencement of 



cS 



Up Land of the 1?' quality 

timber White Oak Chesnut Red Oak Hickory Maple 
O 5 . . . . to a White Ash Post and the commencement of 

I 



Up Land of 2?^' quality 

timber Hickory White Oak White Ash Beech &c 

1 . , . . to the ascent of a hill facing northwesterly 

CO 19 ... . ascending said hill to the top fit for tillage thence de- 

-^ seen ding 

^ 1 . . . . to the bottom of said hill fa-cing southeasterly to a 

^ small run Running southwesterly likewise the com- 

'^ mencement of 

Up Land of the 3r? quahty 

5 timber a before described thence ascending a hill 

_^ steep and stony unfit for tillage 

Q 8 . . . . to the commencement of 



oo 



[Sen. Doc. No. 7L] 45 



354 [Senate 

Up Land of the 2'^'? quality 

as timber as last above described 

•| still ascending the last mentioned hill facing west 

p^ not steep 

^ 11.. . . to a Chesnut Post on the top of said hill and the 

^ Commencement of 

Up Land of the 1^* quality 

timber Chesnut Hickory Beech Cucumberwood &c 
. . to the descent of a hill and the commencement of 



Up Land of the 3':'^ quality 
timber the same as before described 
. . to the bottom of the aforesaid hill facing northeasterly 
too steep for tillage to a small run bearing southeasterly 
likewise the commencement of 

Up Land of the 2".'! quality 

timber White Oak Chesnut Ked Oak Hickory &c 
. . to the ascent of a hill facing southwesterly 
. . to a Red Oak Post on the side of said hill 
, . to the bottom of said hill facing southeasterly and to 

a small run Running southwesterly, likewise the 

ascent of a hill facing northwesterly 
. . to the top of said hill thence descending along the side 

of a hill facing south 
. . to the commencement of 

Up Land of the 3'>.' quality timber as above described 
ascending the aforesaid hill too steep for Cultivation 
7. . . . to a small run* Running south and to the ascent of a 

hill facing northwesterly 
2. . . . to a soft maple tree on the side of said hill 
10. . . . to the top of said hill too steep for tillage thence de- 
scending along a side hill facing southerly 
30. . . . to a Beech Post on the side of said hill 
7. . . . to the bottom of the aforesaid hill facing southeasterly 
g steep and stony and to a small run Running south- 

"3 westerly likewise to the ascent of a hill facing 

Q northerly 

oi 3 . . . , ascending said hill too steep for tillage to the commenee- 
^ ' raent of 





■f. 




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26 





*Storehouse Brook. 



No. 71.] 355 



Up Land of the 2'^? quality 

timber Hemlock Beech Sugarmaple Birch vfec 

to a spriug run Kunning south-easterly 

to a spring on tlie side of the aforesaid hill 

to a Beech Post on the side of said hill 

to the top of said hill not too steep for tillage 

to the summit of a hiU thence descending 

to a Beech Post being the southeast corner of said 

Township 



Explored the 7"' da^^ of August, 1798. 

[See also small Field Book No. 27.] 

XV. 
Surveyed 

Township N° 1 in the 11"* Range. 

[Eastern part (4 lots) of Busti, and Western part (4 lots) of Kiantone, Chautauqua 
Co. — 1 R. S. 366-7, (6th ed.).] 

Beginning at a Sugar Maple post standing in the North boundary 
Line of the State of Pennsylvania it being the Southwest corner of 
said Township and the Southeast corner of Township N° 1 in the 
twelfth Range from which post two bounded trees bear a Sugar 
Maple North twenty five degi-ees West seventy seven links also an- 
other Sugar Maple North twenty nine degrees East ten links. And 
Thence running from the aforesaid post East bounding South on the 
North boundary line of the State of Pennsylvania aforesaid — [At 
forty chains an Iron wood post from which two bounded trees bear 
H Beech North fifty two degrees East forty five links, also another 
Beech North fifty three degrees West twelve links : at eighty 
chains an Ironwood post from which three bounded trees bear, a 
Sugar Maple North eighty one degrees East twenty six links, an- 
other Sugar Maple North ten degrees East twenty seven links also 
a Beech North thirty six degrees East twenty four links : at one 
hundred and twenty chains, an Iron wood post from which two 
bounded trees bear a Sugar Maple North seventy five degrees East 
forty six links, also a Beech North five degrees West five links : at 
one hundred and sixty chains a Beech Post from which three 
bounded trees bear a Beech North fifty nine degrees West thirteen 
Hnks another Beech North twenty degrees East twenty links, also 
another Beech North twenty eight degrees West twenty links : at 
two hundred chains a Beech post from which two bounded trees 
bear a Beech North twenty two degrees East ten links, also another 
Beech* North fifty eight degrees West thirty nme links : at two 

* Identified in 1870, by Mr. Hinckley who set a stake from it. Tree down in 
1884. Stake replaced by a granite monument. 



356 [Senate 

hundred and forty chains a Beech post from which three bounded 
trees bear, a Sugar Maple North fifty nine degrees West twenty 
Hnks, an Ehn* North fifteen degrees West twenty seven hnks, also a 
Beech* North twenty three degrees East thirty eight links : at two 
hundred and eighty chains, an Iron wood post from which two 
bounded trees bear a Beech North nineteen degrees West thii-ty six 
links also another Beech North twenty seven degrees East thirty five 
links : at three hundred and twenty chains an Iron wood post 
from which three bounded trees bear a Beech North sixty six degrees 
East fourteen links, an Iron wood North thirteen degrees East thir- 
teen links, also a Sugar Maple North six degrees West twenty tln-ee 
links : at three hundred and sixty chains a Sugar Maple post 
from which two bounded trees bear a Sugar Maple North twelve 
degrees West twenty four chains, also another Sugar Maple North 
seven degrees East forty one links: at four hundred chains a 
Beech jDost from which three bounded trees bear an Iron wood North 
fifty eight degi'ees West twenty two links, a Beech North twenty 
four degrees East six links, also a Sugar Maple North fifty degrees 
East tliirty seven links : at four hundred and forty chains a Beech 
post from wnich two bounded trees bear a Sugar Maple North thirty 
four degrees West fifty Hnks, also another Sugar Maple North six- 
teen degrees East twenty three Hnks : ] — Four hundred and eighty 
chains to an Iron wood Post being the Southeast corner of said 
Township, and the Southwest corner of Township N° 1 in the tenth 
Range, and from which post four bounded trees bear, an Elm North 
fifty seven degrees West thirty six links, another Elm South fifty 
five degrees West thirteen links, an Iron wood South seventy four 
degrees East twenty five links, also a Sngar Maple North thirteen 
degrees East forty seven links : and running Thence from the afore- 
said post North 

Range IV}} 

Hemarks on lownship JV° 1 
Beginning at a sugar maple post 



[etc., as above] 



O* 



Commencing with Upland of the 1?^ quality 
timber sugar maple, Beech, Basswood, Elm and Iron- 
wood, 
9 . . — to a rivulet bearing Northeasterly, 

18. . 50 to another rivulet bearing Northwesterly, 

12. . 50 to an Iron wood post, 

40 . . to another Iron wood post, 1 Mile 

40 . . to another Ironwood post, 



* Both dowu in 1870, but were identified by Mr. Hinckley. 



No.Yl.] 35Y 

4. . 50 to a small run bearing to the Northeast, 
32. . 15 to a Beech tree marked 199 miles of the Pennsylvania 
Line. 
3 . . 35 to a Beech post, 2 Miles. 
40 — to a Beech post, Laud continues level, 
40 — to a Beech post, 3 Miles. 

8 . . 50 to a small run bearing Northwesterly, 
31 . . 50 to an Ironwood post. Land of the 1^' quality, 
.3 13 . . 50 to a rivulet* running Northeasterly, thence recrossing 
^ the same running southeasterly, at 

^ 2 . . 50 recross the same again bearing Northeasterly 
^ 24 — to an Ironwood post, 4 Miles. 
■^ 40 — to a sugarmaple post, Land continues level. 



21 — to a small run bearing southeasterly 
19 — to a Beech post, 5 Miles. 

40 — to another Beech post, Land very level and good, 
10 — to a creekf 1 perch wide, bearing to the North 
T.. 50 to another creek;}: running as above. 

and to the ascent of a very steep bank facing Westerly, 
1 — to the summit of said Bank, 
21 . . 50 to an Ironwood post being the southeast corner of 

said township, 

Explored the 19^? day of luly 179S 

[See also small Field Book Xo. 30. J 

XVI. 
Surveyed 

Township N9 1 in the 12 Range. 

[Eastern part (3 lots) of Harmony, and western part (6 lots) of Busti, Chautau- 
qua Co. — 1 R. S. 369, 368 (6th ed.).] 

Beginning at a Beech post standing in the north boundary line 
of the State of Pennsylvania it being the south west corner said 
Township and the southeast corner of Township N? 1 in the thir- 
teenth Range from which post two bounded trees bear ; a Beech 
nortli ten degrees east, thirty five links, and a Cucumber north sixty 
eight degrees west thirty eight links, and thence running East from 
the said post bounding south on the north bouudery line of the 
State of Pennsylvania aforsaid — [At forty chains a Sugar maple 
post from which two bounded trees bear; a Sugar maple north fifty 
eight degrees east ten links, also another Sugar maple north forty 
five degrees west fifty three links ; at eighty chains a Sugar maple 
post from which two bounded trees§ bear a Beech north twelve de- 
grees west thirty two links, a Sugar maple north forty three degrees 

* York Run. •)■ Kiantone Creek. | Spiritual Spring. 

§ Stumps identified in 1870 by Mr. Hinckley. 



358 [Sknate 

east forty seven links: at oue liundrecl and twenty chains a Beecb 
post from which two* bounded trees bear a Bass north thirty two 
deo-rees east thirty eight links a Beech north Sixty six degrees east 
twenty seven hnks ; at one hundred and sixty chains a Basswood 
post from which two bounded treesf bear a Sugar maple post north 
iiftv four degrees east forty nine links and another Sugar maple 
north forty eight degrees west fiftj' seven links ; at two hundred 
chains a Bass wood post from which two bounded trees bear a Sugar 
maple north fifty four degrees east twenty eight links and a Beech 
north forty degrees west thirty one links; at two hundred and 
forty chains a Sugar maple post from which two bounded trees 
bear' a Beech north "fifty six degrees east eighteen links and a Bass 
north fifty two degrees west thirty six links ; at two hundred and 
eighty chains an Iron wood post from which two bounded trees 
bear, a Beech north forty degrees west thirty eight links also another 
Beech north forty nine degrees east fifty one links ; at three hundred 
and twenty chains a Bass wood post from whicli two bounded trees 
bear; a Sugar maple north sixty eight degrees East twenty links and 
a white Ashf north eight degrees west forty links ; at three hun- 
dred and sixty chains a Beech post from which two bounded trees 
bear a Sugar- maple north fifty three degrees east eleven links, also 
another Sugar maple North thirty five links ; at four hundred 
chains a Sugar maple post from which two bounded trees bear a 
Beech north fortv four degrees east twenty one links and a Sugar 
maple north two"^degrees east fifty five links; at four hundred and 
forty chains an Hemlock post from which two buunded trees bear; 
a Beech north twenty nine degrees west twenty one links and an 
Hemlock north three degrees Vest thirty links] — Four hundred 
and eighty chains to a Sugar maple post being the southeast cor- 
ner of said Township and the south west corner of Township N? 1 
in the eleventh Kange and from which post two bounded trees bear; 
a Sugar maple north twenty five degrees west seventy seven links 
also another sugar maple north twenty nine degrees east ten links 
and thence running from said post north 

*Bass, and Beech stump, identified by Mr. Hinckley in 1870. 
t Identified in 1870 by Mr. Hinckley. 



No. 71.] 359 



Range 12tli 

EEMARKS on TOWNSHIP 1^" 1. 

Begiuiiiug at the Soutli-west Corner 
[etc., as above,] 



■-^ O 



2 Commencing with Up Land of the 1?!; quality 
■^ Timbered with Sugar maple Beech, Bass, Elm, Cucum 
-ber and Cherry 



o 






23. . to a small run running northerly. 

17. . to a Beech Post standing in a small run running 

northerly. 
39 . . 50 to a small Run running northwesterly 
. . 50 to a Sugar maple Post. 

Land level, and to the Commencement of 

— Bottom Land of the P* quality. 

Timbered as before 
5. . to the Commencement of 



— Up Land of the 1^' quality. 

Timbered with Sugar maple, Bass, Beech, cherrj'^, Ash 

and Cucumber. 
35 . . to a Beech Post Land still continues level. 



to a small Run running south Easterly 
to a small Run running Southwesterly 
to a Bass wood Post. Land continues level. 
Timber Sugar Bass Cucumber, Elm, Cherry and Beech, 
to a Bass wood Post, 
to the ascent of a Hill. 

descends gradually to the bottom of said Hill, facing 
Easterly-. 

to a Sugar maple Post. 
^ 5 . . to the Commencement of 

Bottom Land of the 2? quality. 

£ Timber as before. 

"^ 5.. to a small run running southeasterly 

Q 3. . to the ascent of a Hill, and the commencement of 

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360 [Senate 

05 Up Land of the 2'^ quality. 

'^ Timber Beech, Ash, Jrou wood, and Bass wood. 

^ 7 . . to the top of said Hill facing South westerly, not too 

o Steep for Cultivation. 

to the descent of a Hill northeasterly 
50 descends gradually to a small run at the bottom run- 
ning southeasterly, and the Commencement of 



Up Land of the 1?^ quality. 

Timbered with Sugar maple Ash, Bass, Oak & Beech. 
50 to an Iron wood Post. 
to the descent of a Gully. 

descending gradually to a small ruji at the foot of the 
Hill running southwesterly, 

rising gradually from the run to the top of the oppo> 
site side of said Gully. 



to a Bass wood Post, 
to a small rim running Southeasterly 
to a Beech Post. Land level. 

to a small run running Southeasterly, and the Com- 
mencement of 

Up Land of the 2^ quality. 

Timbered with Poplar, Oak, Chesnut, white Pine, 

Bass, and Hemlock. 

— to the descent of a Hill. 

— to a small Spring run running southeasterly down the 
side of said Hill. 

— still descending said Hill to a sugar maple Post. 
Continues descending to the bottom of the Hill 
facing Easterly, not too steep for Tillage, and the 
Commencement of 

L 

Bottom Land of the 2» quality. 

Timber Beech Sugar maple white Ash, white Pine, But- 
ternut, and Hemlock. 

g 18 . . — to a small Creek* two Perches wide running northerly 

•| 2. . 75 Cross the said Creek running Easterly. 

^ 5 . . 25 to the said Creek running northerly 

CO 9 • . to an Hemlock Post. 

^ 3. . to the Commencement of 

a miry Swamp. 



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No. 71.] 361 



Timbered with black Ash. 
to the Comineneenient of 



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Up Land of tlie 2;! quality, 

Timbered with Hemlock, Bh'cli. and Beech. 

to tlie Commencement of 



Up Land of tlie V}. (piality, 

Timbered with Sng-ar maple white Ash, Bass, and 
JBeech. 
15 . . To a Sugar maple Post, being the Sonth East Corner 
of said Township 

Explored the 4**^ day of luiy 1798 
[See also small Field Book No. 34.] 

XVIL 

Surveyed 

Township N" 1, in the 13tli Range. 
[Western part of Harmony, Chautauqua Co. — 1 R. S. 368 (Otli ed.).] 

Beginning at a Sugar maple tree standing in the north boundary 
line of the State of Pennsylvania it being the southwest corner of 
said Township and the southeast corner of Township JS?. 1 in the 
fourteenth Range from which sugar inaple two bounding trees bear 
as follow, a Beech north forty nine degrees east thirty nine links and 
a white pine* north eighty three degrees west forty one links and 
thence running East from the said sugar maple bounding sonth on 
the aforesaid line 

[At forty chains a sugar maple post from which two bounded 
trees bear as follow a sugar maple east eight links also another sugar 
maple north seventy three degrees west twenty two links ; at eighty 
chains a Beech post from which two bounded trees bear as follow, a 
Beech north twelve degrees east thirty links also another Beech 
north twenty three degrees M^est seventeen Hnks ; at one hundred 
and twenty chains a Beech post from which two bounded trees bear 
as follow a Beech north sixty two degrees east fifty four links also 
another Beech north forty seven degrees east thirty two links ; at 
one hundred and sixty chains a sugar maple post from which two 
bounded trees bear as follow a Sugar maple north thirty five degrees 
west four links and a cherry north fifty eight degrees east twentv- 

* Stump identified in 1870 by Mr. Hinckley; remains of it to be found in 1884. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 46 



362 [Senate 

five links; at two hundred chains a Beech post, from which two 
bounded trees bear as follow a Sugar maple north thirty five degrees 
east sixty one links also another sugar maple north tifty five degrees 
west twenty six links ; at two hundred and forty chains a Beech 
post from which two bounded trees* bear as follow a Beech north 
twenty four degrees east twenty iive links and a Sugar maple north 
two degrees east thirty two links ; at two hundred and eighty 
chains a Beech post from which two bounded trees bear as follow a 
Sugar maple north sixty two degrees east twenty six links also 
anotlier sugar maple north forty nine degrees west thirty eight 
links; at three liundred and twenty chains a Black ash post from 
which two bounded trees bear as follow a Hemlock north twenty 
six degrees east nineteen links and a black ash north eighty degrees 
Avest twenty links ; at three hundred and sixty chains a hemlock 
post from which two bounded trees* bear as follow, a Beech north 
ten degrees east twelve links and a hemlock north twenty one 
degrees west eighteen links; at four hundred chains a Beech post, 
from which two bounded treesf bear as follow a Beech north four- 
teen degrees east twenty nine links also another Beech north nine- 
teen degrees west seven links; at four hundred and forty chains a 
Beech post, from which two bounded trees bear as follow a sugar 
maple north eighty four degrees "west twelve links and a Beech 
north seventy four degi-ees east forty six links ; ] four hundred 
and eighty chains a Beech ])ost being the South east corner of said 
Township and the south west corner of Town N° 1 in the twelfth 
range from which post two bounded trees bear as follow a cucum- 
ber north sixty eight degrees west thirty eight links and a Beech 
north ten degrees east thirty five links and thence running from tlie 
said post Nortli 

Eange 13tli 
Beginning at the southwest corner 

[etc., as above.] .,. 



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Commenceing with Upland of the 2S Quality 
timbered with sugar maple Beech Hemlock and Cu- 
cumber — 

to a small run running south Easterly 
to the commencement of 



Upland of the V^. quality 



""" Ideutified iu 1870 by Mr. Hinckley, both down and decayed; Mr. H.'a red 
beech stake was standing iu 1884. 
t Identified iu 1870 by Mr. Hinckley, 



No. 71.] 363 

timbered with sugar maple Beecli Cucumber Ash and 

Chesimt 

to a Sugar maple post 

to the descent of a liill 

descending said hill to the bottom facing easterly noit 

too steep for Cultivation 

to the commencement of 

Up Land of tlio 2'! quality 

timbered with Beecli Hemlock and Birch 

50 to a run one perch wide running South Easterly 

50 to the ascent of a liill 



ascending said hill to the top facing north west not 

too steep for tillage 

gradually descending said hill to the bottom facing 

South East 

to a Beech post 

to the Commencement of 

Upland of the l?t quality 

timbered with sugar maple poplar Beech Cherry and 

Black Oak 

to a small run running North East 

to a Beech post the Land Continueing level 

to the commencement of 

Upland of the 2'.J quality 

timbered with Hemlock Beecli and Sugar Maple 

to the descent of a Hill. 

descending said hill to a small spring run running 

Northerly 

descending the hill from said run to the bottom facing 

Easterly not too steep for tillage 

crossing said spring run running Sonth East 

to a Beech Post — and to the Commencement of 

Upland of the 3'? quality 

timbered with Hemlock and Beech ■ 

to the descent of a gull)- 

descending the said gully to the Bottom facing East- 

terly too steep for Cultivation and to a small run 

running South 
50 to the ascent of a hill 
50 ascending said hill the top facing westerly too Steep 

for tillage 

descending said hill to the bottom facing East too 

steep for Cultivation likewise to the ascent of another 

hill 



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364 [Senate 

a 7 — ascending said hill to the top facing North Westerly 
"^ too steep for tillage and to the commencement of 

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Upland of the 2? quality 

timbered with Beech Black Oak and Pine 



g 19 to a Beech Post and to the Commencement of 



CO Upland of the 1?^ quality 

•| timbered with sugar maple ash Black Oak and Chesnut 

p 10 — to the descent of a hill 

15 — descending said hill to the bottom facing Easterly not 

Cjj too steep for Cultivation and to the Commencement of 

CD Bottom Land of the 2? quality 

•^ timbered with Beech sugar maple Birch and Hemlock 

g 4 — • to a small run running northerly 

11— to a Beech post 



4 — to the commencement of 



c A swamp 

'§ timbered with Black Ash not miry 

Q 4 — to the commencement of 



'c Bottom land of the 2'? quality 

•3 timbered with Beech Sugar maple & Hemlock 

•Q 11 — to the ascent of a hill and to the commencement of 



Upland of the 2*? quality 

timbered with Beech and Sugarmaple 

ascending the said hill to the top facing Westerly not 

too steep for tillage and to the commencement of 



Upland of the 1!* quality 

timbered with ash sugar maple Beech Basswood and 

poplar 

to a Beech post 

to the descent of a hill 

descending said hill to the bottom facing JS^orth 

Easterly not too steep for tillage 

to the Commencement of 



No. 71.] 365 



Bottom land of the 2? quality 
timbered with Hemlock and Beech 
to the commencement of 



Bottom land of the 1^^ quality 

timbered with Basswood Buttenmt Elm and Hemlock 
to a stream* two perches wide runnin<^' Southeasterly 
to the commencement of 



Bottom land of the 2"? quality 

timbered with Hemlock Beech Bass & Sugar 

to a Black ash post 

to the commencement of 



Upland of the 2'.' quality 

timbered with Beech Sugar maple Hemlock and Bass- 
wood 

to an Hemlock post 
to the descent of a hill and to the commencement of 

Upland of the 3? quality timbered as before 
descending said liill to the bottom facing South easterly 
too steep for tillage 
to a small runf running South-westerly 

to the said run running North West 
to said run bearing South West 

to the aforesaid run running North west and to the 
^ commencement of 



« Upland of the 2^1 quality 

•§ timbered with Hemlock Sugar maple and Beech 

g 8 — to a Beech post 

^ 5 — to the commencement of 



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— Upland of tlie 1?^ quality 

timbered with Beech Sugar maple poplar and Ash 

2 — to a small run running North Easterly 
17 — to a small runf running Northerly 

3 — to the ascent of a hill facing West 

*Little Brokenstraw Creek. f Deer Lick. 



366 [Senate 

5 — ascending said hill to the top not too steep for Culti- 

g vation 

•g 8 — to Beech post the land continues level and timber the 

Q same 

^ ttO — to a Beech post being the soutli East Corner of said 

'^ Township 

Explored the 2'^ day of luly 179S 

[See also small Field Book X". 85.] 

XVIII. 
SurYeyed 

Township N" 1 in the 14*^ Kange. 
[Clymer, Chautauqua Co.— 1 R. S. 367, 369 (6th ed.).] 

Beginning at a Beech Post at the Southwest corner of the afore- 
said Township which is also the Southeast corner of Township iV^" 1. 
in the fifteenth Range, from which post four bounded trees bear as 
follow, a Beech North thirty five degrees east eighteen links ; another 
Beech North twenty four degrees west forty four links ; another 
Beech South thirty one degrees west twenty seven links ; also another 
Beech South thirty three degrees east thirty four links ; thence run- 
ning East bounding south on the North boundary line of the State 
of Pennsylvania. (At forty chains, a Beech Post from Mdiich two 
bounded trees bear as follow, a Beech North fifty degrees east forty 
three links; also another Beecli North twenty eight degrees west 
twenty six links ; at eighty chains, a Beech Post from which two 
bounded trees bear as follow, a Beech North forty four degrees west 
thirty seven links; and a Sugar Maple North forty seven degrees 
east forty eight links ; at one hundred and twenty chains, a Beech 
Post from which two bounded trees bear as follow, an Hemlock 
North forty two degrees east forty one links ; also another Hemlock 
North fifty six degrees west twent}' six links; at one hundred and 
sixty chains, a Sugar Maple Post from wdiich two bounded trees 
bear as follow, a Sugar Maple Noi'th thii'ty four degrees east seven 
links ; and a Beech North fifty seven degrees west thirt}^ eight links ; 
at two hundred chains, a Sugar Maple Post from which two bounded 
trees bear as follow, a Bass wood North twenty two degrees west 
twenty nine links ; and a Beech North sixty eight degrees east thirty 
links; at two hundred and forty chains a Cucumber w^ood Post 
from which two bounded trees bear as follow, a White Ash North 
twenty thi-ee degrees east six links ; and a Sugar Maple North forty 
two degrees east fifteen links ; at two hundred and eighty chains 
a Beech Post from which two bounded trees bear as follow, a Beech 
North forty five degrees west twenty seven links ; and also another 
Beech North fifty six degrees east thirty five links ; at three hun- 
dred and twenty chains, a Sugar Maple Post from whicli two 



No. 71.] 367 

bounded trees bear as follow, a Sugar Maple. iSTortli nine degrees 
east thirty seven links ; and a White Pine North seventeen degrees 
west fifty five links ; at three hundred and sixty chains, a Black 
Ash Post from which one bounded tree bears as follows, a Black 
Ash North ten degrees west seventeen links;- at four hundred chains 
a Beech Post from which two bounded trees bear as follow ; a Sugar 
Maple North forty three degrees east thirty seven links ; also an- 
other Sugar Maple North thirty degrees west fifty five links; 
at four Iiundred and forty chains a Beech Post from which two 
bounded trees bear as follow, a Beech North twenty eight degrees 
west twent}' three links ; and an Hemlock North eighteen degrees 
east forty three links ; ) four hundred and eighty chains, to a 
Sugar Maple tree being the southeast corner of said Town and the 
southwest corner of Town JV" 1 in the IS'"" Eange from which Sugar 
Maple two bounded trees bear as follow, a White Pine North eighty 
three degrees west forty one links ; and a Beech North forty nine 
degrees east thirty nine links ; and running thence from the afore- 
said Sugar Maple Nortli 



Range Hth 
Beginning at a Beech Post 

[etc., as abovej 



Commencing with Upland of the l^'. quality 

timbered with Beech Sugar Maple Hemlock Cherry 
and C^icumber 
"^ 2. . 5U to the descent of a gully and the connnencement of 

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^. Upland of the ?>\'^ quality 

-^ 1 . . descending said gully to the bottom facing north east 

^ too steep for tillage likewise to a small run running 

'^ North-west 

^ . . 50 to the ascent of a gully facing south west 

^ 2. . ascending said gully to the top too steep for tillage 

'^ and to the Commencement of 



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368 [Senate 

Upland of the 1^* quality 

timbered with Beech Sugar and Cucumber wood 

Maple Cherry Hemlock 

to a Beech Post Land Continues level 

to the summit of a hill and the Commencement of 



Upland of the 3'".'! quality 

descending said hill to the bottom facing south east too 

steep for tillage and to a small run Running ISTorth east 



50 ascending a gnlly to the top facing North west to« 
steep for tillage and to the Commencement of 



Upland of the 1^\ quality 

timber Beech Sugar Maple Cherry Cucumber ttc. 
50 to a Beech Post Land level 
— to the Commencement of 



Bottom Land of the 2"? quality 
timbered with Hemlock Beech and Birch 

50 to a large Creek* three perches wide Canoeable at 
some seasons of the year 

— to the Commencement of 



Upland of the 21'? quality 

timbered with Hemlock Beech and Sugar Maple 
5U to the Commencement of 



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Bottom Land of the 2".'? quality 
timbered with Hemlock Beech and Birch 
to a Beech Post Land continues level 
to the Commencement of 



* Biff Broken Straw Creek. 



^o. 71.] 369 

2 Upland of the 2".1 quality 

•S timber Beech Sugar Maple Hemlock White Pine &c 

Q 30. , — to a Sugar Maple Post & the Commencement of 

o 

CO 

I 

Upland of the 1?' quahtj^ 

Timl)ered M-ith Beech Sugar Maple White Ash White 

Pine ('Ucumber and soft Maple 

to a small run Running South 

to a Sugar Maple Post 

to a small run Running South Land level 

to a Cucumber wood Post timber continues as before 

mentioned 

to the descent of a hill and the Commencement of 

Upland of the Z\'} quality 
timber Beech Sugar Maple Hemlock & Birch 
50 descending the aforesaid hill to the botton facing 
South eastei'ly too steep for tillage likewise to a small 
run running N"orth easterly 
Q 4. . 50 ascending a hill to the top facing Northwesterly too 





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steep for tillage and the Commencement of 



— Upland of the 2?;' quality 

Timbered with Beech Sugar Maple Hemlock &c 
12. . — to the summit of a hill thence descending 
5. . — to a Beech Post standing on the side of s? hill 
4. . — to a small spring run Running North east 
i 7, . — to a small spring run bearing North east 
Q 6. . — to the bottom of said liill facing east not too steep for 
Cultivation to a small run running North and the Com- 



^ mencement of 



'to 



Bottom Land of the 2"? quality 

timbered with Sugar Maple Birch & Hemlock 

to the Commencement of 



Upland of the 2"?? quality 

Timber Beech Sugar MapleWhite Pine &c 

to a Sugar Maple Post. Land level, 

to the descent of a hill 

descending to the bottom of said hill facing east and 

to the Commencement of 



[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 47 



370 [Senatk 



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an Alder swamp not very miry 
50 to a small rnn Running North 
— to a small run* running ISorth westerly 
50 to Sugar Maple Post 
50 to the commencement of 



Upland of the 2V? quality 
Timbered with Hemlock Beech and Birch 
— to the commencement of 



Bottom Land of the 2"."^ quality 
Timbered with Bii'ch and Beech 
— to a small I'un* running south 
50 to the commencement of 



Upland of the 2?? quality 

timber Hemlock Beech Birch "White Pine and Sua-ar 
p maple 

— to a small run running south westerly 

— to a Beech Post. Land continues level 

— to a Beech Post timber as before described 

— to a Sugar Maple tree being the south East corner of 
said Township 

Explored the 28*'^ day of Line 1798 

[See also small Field Book N». 36] 

XIX. 
Surveyed. 

Township N? 1, in the 15*.'^ Range 

[French Creek, Chautauqua Co.,— 1 R. S. 369 (6th ed.).] 

Beginning in the Boundary line that divides the State of Penn- 
sylvania from the State of New York at a Sugar Maple post in a 
heap of stones, being the Southeast corner of a Triangular piece ot 
Ground sold by the United States to the State of Pennsylvania 
whose Hypothenuse is in and along the shore of Lake Erie, which 
post and heap of stones is also the Southwest corner of the aforesaid 
Town, from which two bounded trees bear as follows a Beech 
North ten degrees East eighty five links, also another Beech Nortli 

* South Branch of Big Brokenatraw Creek. 



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No. 71.] 37L 

iifty degrees East sixty four links. Thence runninsr East bounding 
South on the North boundary hne of the State of Pennsylvania afore- 
said — (at forty chains an ash post from which two bounded trees 
bear as follows a Beech North forty nine degrees West twenty 
links, also another Beech North thirty degrees East forty one links : 
at eighty chains a Beech post from which two bounded trees bear 
as follows a Beech North twelve degrees East eight links also 
another Beech north fifty nine degrees east forty eight links: at one 
hundred and twenty chains a Beech post from which two bounded 
trees bear as follows a Beech North twenty nine degrees AVest 
eighteen links, also another Beech North forty degrees East fifty 
eight links : at one hundred and sixty chains a beech post from 
which two bounded trees bear as follows a Beech north forty eight 
degrees West twenty six links, also another Beech North four 
degrees West eleven links : at two hundred chains a Beech post 
from which two bounded trees bear as follows a Beech North thirty 
two degrees West forty two links, also another Beech North nine- 
teen degrees East forty one links: At two hundred and forty 
chains a Beech post from which two bounded trees bear as follows, 
a Sugar Maple North sixty six degrees West twenty three links, 
also another Sugar Maple North forty one degrees East fifty three 
links: at two hundred and eighty chains a Beech post from 
which two bounded trees beai- as follows a Beech North forty eight 
degrees West tw^enty links, also another Beech North sixty six 
degrees east fifty five links : At three hundred and twenty chains 
a Beech post from which to bounded trees bear as follows a Beecli 
North eighteen degrees West twenty links, also another Beech 
North ten degrees East eighteen links : At three hundred and 
sixty chains an Hemlock post from which two bounded trees bear 
as follows a Black Ash North fifty one degrees West thirty six 
links, also an Hemlock North fifteen degrees East twenty nine 
links: At four hundred chains an Hemlock post from M'hicli two 
bounded trees bear as follows a Beech North twenty degrees West 
thirty links, also another Beech North fifty five East thirty seven 
links : at four hundred and forty chains an Hemlock post from 
which two bounded trees bear as follows a Cherry* North forty 
one degrees West eight links, also a Beech North forty five degrees 
East six links) Four hundred and eighty chains to a Beech post 
being the Southeast corner of said Town and the South west corner 
of Town N° 1 in the 14"^ Range from which post two bounded 
trees bear as follows, a Beech North thirty five degrees East Eigh' 
teen links, also another Beech North twenty four degrees West 
forty four links ; and running Thence from the aforesaid post North 
bounding East on the West boundary line of the aforesaid Town 
N? 1 in the 14*'» Range ;— 

'^ The stump of this Cherry was fully identified by Mr. Hinckley some years 
before his reconnaissance of the Boundary in 1870. It was standing in 1884, and 
was used iu the adjustment of the west end of the Parallel Boundary. (See page 



372 [Senate 

Four liundred and eighty chains to an Iron wood post, being 
tne ]Vortlieast corner of said Town 

Thence from the aforesaid post west bounding North on the South 
boundary of Town Nf 2 in the iifteenth Range 

Four hundred and eighty chains and seventeen links to a Beech 
post standing in the East boundarj^ hue of the aforesaid Triangular 
piece of Ground being the Northwest corner of said Town, and the 
Soutliwest corner of the aforesaid Town N? 2 from which post three 
bounded trees bear as follows a Sugar Maple South fifty nine de- 
grees East twenty nine links, another sugar maple North twenty 
degrees East twenty seven links, also a Beech North fifty two degrees 
East sixteen links. 

Thence running from the said Post South bounding West on the 
aforesaid Triangular piece of Ground at thirty nine chains and 
seventy five links, a post, from which two Bounded trees bear as 
follows a Cucumber JSiorth sixty six degrees East fifty nine links 
aleo a beech North twenty three degrees East thirty seven finks at 
seventy nine chains and seventy five links a post, from which two 
bounded trees bear as follows a Black Ash North seventy eight de- 
grees East forty two links also a Beech South thirty degrees East 
thirty links : at one hundred and nineteen chains and seventy 
five links a post from which two bounded trees* bear as follows an 
Hemlock North seventy two degrees East tM^enty four links, also 
another Hemlock South twenty five degrees East forty five links : 
at one hundred and fifty nine chains and seventy five links a post 
from which two bounded trees bear as follows a Beech North fifty 
eight degrees East twenty seven links, also another Beech South 
seventy eight degrees East fifty eight links : at one hundred and 
ninety nine chains and seventy five links a post from which two 
bounded treesf bear as follows a Beech North thirty eight degrees 
East thirtj' links, also an Hemlock South eighty three degrees East 
thirty nine links : at two hundred and thirty nine chains and 
seventy five links a j)ost from which two bounded trees bear as fol- 
lows a Cucumber North seventy two degrees East twenty seven links, 
also an Hemlock;}: South sixty six degrees East forty three links : at 
two hundred and seventy nine chains and seventy five links a post 
from which two bounded trees§ bear as follows an Hemlock North 
seventy degrees East thirty four links, also another Hemlock South 
seventy one degrees East thirty three links : at three hundred and 
nineteen chains & seventy five links a post from which two bounded 
trees bear as follows a Black Ash North sixty one degrees East thir- 
teen links also a Beech || South thirty five degrees East fifty six links : 

* Identified in 1870 by Mr. Hinckley. 

f Identified in 1870 by Mr. Hinckley. Both standing in 1885. 
j Identified in 1870 by Mr. Hinckley. Down in 1878, but stump and trunk iden- 
tified. 

§Both fltanding in 1885, one was cut in the vista of that year. 
J Standing in 1879. . 



:No. 71.] 373 

at three hundred and fifty nine chains and seventy five links a 
post from which two bounded trees bear as follows a Beech North 
lifty one degrees East twenty six links, also an Hemlock South forty 
one degrees East thirty eiglit links : At three hundred and ninety 
nine chains seventy five links a post from which two bounded 
trees* bear as follows an Elm South eighty degrees East fifty links, 
also a Beech South fifty eight degrees East forty eight links: at 
four hundred and thirty nme chains and seventy five links a post 
from which two bounded trees bear as follows a Beech North sixty 
degrees East seventeen links, also another Beech South fifty six de- 
grees East fifteen links : ) Four hundred and seventy nine chains 
and seventy five links, to the aforesaid sugar maple post in a heap 
of stones at the place of Beginning, Containing twenty three thou- 
sand and thirty eight Acres. Surveyed on the 22*? day and follow- 
ing days to the 30*^ of June 1798. 

I certify that the foregoing is an accurate description of Township 
N? 1 in the fifteenth Range compared with and corrected from the 
original Field Notes 

JOSEPH ELLICOTT I |-XW1C?. 

[See also Small Field Book No. 37.] 

Range 15tli 

Remarks on Township N" 1 
Beginning in the boundary line 

[etc. , as above] . . 

"S .5 -^ 

o 

Commencing with Upland of the 1'^^ cpiality, 

5 Timber Sugar maple, cucumber, and 

^ 1 — Basswood, to a small brook runniiig northwesterly, 
•§ 1 — to the ascent of a hill facing southwesterly, 
^ 11 — to the top of said hill, not too steep for cultivation ; 
_^ 7 — to the summit of a hill, thence descending 
^' 4 — to the bottom, fit for tillage ; and to the commence- 

^- ment of 

Upland of the 2'."' quality, 
Timber Beech, Hemlock, and some sugar maple 
50 to a small run, running Northwesterly, 
50 to another small run running Northwesterly, 
— ■ to an ash post, land level and good for cultivation, 
— to the connnencement of. 



* Stumps of both identified in 1870 by Mr. Hinckley. 



w 




^ 








a 


" 


j=i 


8 


U 




7 


I 


10 



374 [Senatp: 

Upland of the 1^^ quality 

timber Basswood, sugar maple, Elm cucumber, Ash 
and Beech, Land level, 
30 — to a Beech post. 

7 — to a small run running Northerly 
23 — to the vertex of a hill, thence descending 
10 — to a Beech post. 
5 — to the bottom of said hill fit for tillage. 
— . . 50 to a small brook runriing Northwesterly and to the 
bottom of a hill, 
2 . . 50 to the top of said hill not too steep for tillage 
3, . to the descent of a hill, thence descending said hill 

c 4 — to the bottom, fit for cultivation, 
^ 1 .. 50 to a small run running Northerly, 
O 17.. 50 to another small run* running North-westerly land 
3 level and timber as above described, 

r-H Q — to a Beech post, and the commencement of 



Upland of the 2"?:' quality 

timber Beech, sugar maple. Hemlock, cucumber and 
Poplar, 

2 — to a small run running southwesterly, 
2. . 50 to another run running southwesterly, 

35. . 50 to A Beech post land level and timber as above, 
5 — to the bottom of a hill, thence ascending 
7 — to the summit of said hill, facing southwesterly 

3 — to the top of another hill and descending 

2 — to the bottom of said hill fit for cultivation 
1 — to a small brook running southeasterly, 

I 22 — to a Beech post, land level and timber as above 
2 34 — to the descent of a hill facing Northeasterly, thence 
O descending gradually, 

^ 6 — to a Beech post. 
T-i 8 — to the bottom of said hill, and to a small run running 

^ Northwesterly, 

.2 3 — to the bottom of a hill ascending gradually and facing 

^ southwesterly, 

g 8 — to the summit of said hill, 

T-f 1 — to the commencement of, 



— Upland of the 1^*: quality, 

timber sugar maple. Beech wdiite ash and Basswood, 

9 . . 25 to the 221 mile post on the Pennsylvania line. 

10. . 75 to a Beech post, land level, 

Q 13 — to the summit of a hill, thence descending gradually 

^ 12 — to the bottom facing N orth-easterly, 

'f 1 — the commencement of 






* Herrick Run. 



Xo. 71.] 375 

^ Bottom Land of the 2'?? quality, 

*i timber Hemlock, Birch, Black ash, Elm, Butternut &c.. 

Q 11 — a small run* running to the South, 

<M 3 — to an Hemlock post, land level, 






o* 



8 — to the commencement of. 



Upland of the 2"?.'^ quality, 

timber Beech, Sugar maple, aiid encumber, 

21. . 90 to the 220 mile post on the Pennsylvania line, 

g 5. . 10 to the Bank of a gully, thence descending the same 
'S 2 — to the bottom, also to a small run running North- 
Q westerly, likewise to the ascent of its other Bank, 

<M thence ascending at 

CO . ^ 

'i 3 — to the summit of the Bank; and to the commence- 



ment of — [Plemlock post] 
Upland of the first quality — 

timber Beech, Plemlock, encumber, white ash. Cherry, 
Sugar maple, &c. — 
^T 21 — to a small brook running Northwesterly, and to the 



commencement of 

Upland of the 2V.^ quality 

timber. Beech, Birch, cucumber sugar maple &e 



•3 19 — to an Hemlock post, land level, 

g 30. . 34 to the 219 mile post on the Pennsylvania line 

^ 9 .. 66 to a Beech post being the south East corner of said 

"9 townshijD 



[West Line of T. 1, R. 15.] 



39.. 


75 


24— 




16— 




16— 




14— 




10— 




27.. 


50 


12.. 


50 



Commencing with Upland of the V^ quality 

timber Beech sugar maple, Basswood Cherry and Black 

Birch ; herbage nettles, rich weed &'^. . 

to a post, land very excellent 

to a small run running southeasterly, 

to a post, land continues fine and level, 

to a brook running easterly, 

recross the same running Northwesterly 

to a post, land and timber as above 

to a small brook running Southeasterly 

to a post. 



* Hare Creek. 



376 [Senate 

J5 14. . 50 to a creek running Southwesterly and to the ascent of 

.S a hill facing North-westei-ly, 

^ 6.. 50 to the summit of said liill thence descending the same 

I:- facing southwesterly, 

g 7 — to the bottom of said hill too steep for tillage and to 

'5 a run running Northwesterly 

O 12— to a post 

oi 34 — to a small running INTorthwesterly 

c^ 2 — to another post, land & timber as first above 



40 — to anotlier post Land continues 1^' Quality 

Timber and herbage as first described 
3 . . 50 to a small run running Southeasterly 
36 50 to a post. 

16 — to a small brook rumiing southeasterly 
24 — to a post 
8. to a Creek* 3 perches wide running southwesterly 

and to the ascent of a hill facing northwesterly 

Thence ascending said hill 
32. to its Summit not too steep for cultivation and to a 

post 
14. to a small run running northwesterly 

22. to another run running northwesterly 

4. to a Beech post. Land continues line 

24. to a Brook running nortliwesterly 

16. to the hrst mentioned sugar maple post at the place of 

beffinnino' 

Explored tiie 30^'^ of June 179S 

Surveyed 

Township Ne 2 in the 15!'? Kange 

[Mina, Chautauqua Co.,— 1 R. S. 368 (6tli ed.)] 

Beginning at a Beech post standing in the East boundary Hue of 
a Triangular piece of Ground sold by the United States to the State 
of Pennsylvania whose Plypothenuse is in and along the shore of 
Lake Erie, it being the Southwest corner of said Towriship and the 
Northwest corner of Town N5^ 1. from which post two bounded trees 
bear as follows a Beech North fifty two degrees East sixteen links, 
also a sugar maple North twenty degrees East twenty seven links 

from Thence running East Four liundred 

and eighty chains and seventeen links to an Ironwood post being 

the Southeast corner of said Township, Thence 

from the aforesaid post North bounding East on the West boundary 

line of the aforesaid Town N?. 'J. m the fourteenth range 

Four hundred and eighty chains to a Beech post being the North 
east corner of said Town, thence from the aforesaid post West 

*East Branch French Creek. 



N"o. 71.] 377 

four hundred and eighty chains and thirty nine links to a Sugar 
maple post, standing in the East boundary Line of the aforesaid 
Triangular piece of Ground beuig the iS'ortliwest corner of said Town- 
ship, and the Southwest corner of the aforesaid Township N? 3 from 
which post two bounded trees bear a Beech South thirty three degrees 
East tliirty seven links, also another Beech North twenty nin.e degrees 
East forty five links : and running thence from the aforesaid post 
South bounding West on the East boundary line of tlie aforesaid 
Triangular piece of Ground — [at thirty six chains and eighty nine 
links a post from which two bounded trees bear a Cucumber North 
forty degrees East thirty two, links also a Beech South fifty degrees 
East twenty seven links ; at seventy six chains and eighty nine 
links a post from which two bounded trees bear a Birch North thirty 
six degrees East twenty four links, also a AVhite Ash South thirty 
six degrees East twenty four links; at one hundred and sixteen 
chains and eighty nine links a post from wliich two bounded trees 
bear a Beech North thirty one degrees East six links, also another 
Beech South twenty nine degrees East seventeen links: at one 
hundred and fifty six chains and eiglity nine links a post from 
which two bounded trees l)ear a Wldte Ash North sixty degrees East 
sixteen links, also a Sugar Maple South fifty eight degrees East 
seventy seven links: at one liundred and ninety six chains and 
eighty nine links a post from which two bounded trees bear a Sugar 
Maple South fifty five degrees East thirty four links also another 
Sugar Maple North sixty four degrees East twenty one liidcs : at 
two hundred and thirty six chains and eighty nine links a post 
from which two bounded trees bear a Beech North eighty one degrees 
East ten links, also another Beech South fifty seven degrees East 
fifty four links: at two liundred and seventy six chains and 
eiglity nine links a post fi-oni whicli two bounded trees Ijcar a Beech 
South thirty nine degrees East twenty two links, also another Beech 
North seventy three degrees East sixteen links at tliree liundred 
and sixteen chains and eighty nine links to a i)ost from vrhich two 
bounded trees bear a Beech North fifty five degrees East fourteen 
links, also another Beech South forty five degrees East thirty one 
links : at three hundred and fifty six chains and eighty nine 
links a post from which two bounded trees bear a Sugar Maple 
North sixty two degrees East twenty seven links, also another Sugar 
Maple South sevent}' seven degrees East forty three links : at 
three hundred and ninety six chains and eighty nine links a post 
from which two bounded trees bear a Sugar maple South nineteen 
degrees East sixty five links, also a Black Bircli'^ North fifty two 
degrees East eighty links : at four hundred and thirty six chains 
and eighty nine links a post from which two bounded trees bear a 
Soft Maple North fifty five degrees East fifty six links, also a Beech 
South forty degrees East twenty nine hnks : ] — Four hundred 
and seventy six chains and eighty nine links to the first mentioned 

*Dead stub identified in 1870 by Mr. Hiuckley. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71. J 48 



378 [Senate 

Beech post at the place of Beginning — Containing twenty two 
tliousand, nine hundred and seventy nine Acres, Surveyed on tlie 
26'.*? of June, and following days to the 4H* of July, 1798. — 

I certify that tlie foregoing is an accurate description of Township 
N? 2 in the tifteeiith Range eoni])ared with and corrected from the 
original field notes. 

JOSEPH ELLICOTT, 

Surveyor for the 
Holland Land Co. 

Range 15 

Remarks on Townshij3 N" 2 
[West line of T. 2, R. 15.] 



Whence running from the aforesaid South bounding West on 
the East boundary Line of the aforesaid triangular piece of ground 



° Commencement with Upland of the l?t quality timber 

.2 Beech sugar maple, Black Birch, cherry cucumber, and 

Hemlock 
'_^ 6. 89 to the summit of a hill facing South-westerly 
•^ 1. . 50 to the bottom of said hill, too steep for tillage also to a 
^ small brook l^earing northwesterly 

'^ 28 . . 50 to a post Land Level, timber and soil as above 
I 30.. 25 to a post Land continues level, 
^ 22.. — to a rivulet running southeasterly 
O 18 . . — to a post, 



40 . . — to a post Land level & of the first mentioned quality, 
30 . . 50 to a sreek* bearing southeasterly, 

9 . . 50 to a post, 
17 to the descent of a hill facing south-westerly too steep 

for cultivation, 
9 — to the bottom of said hill, and to a creekf 2 perches 
wide bearing Northwesterly, 
14 to a post 

O 4 to a small run running Nortlnvesterly 

^ 21 to the summit of a very steep hill facing S. westerly 

"7 and to the commencement of 



cS 



* Black Brook, near Milestoue 9. f North branch of French Creek. 



No. 71.] 379 









O 
CO 



c 



O 



t- 



Upland of tlie S"".^' qnnlitj, 
timber Jieech, sugar maple Basswood &c 
75 to bottom of the last mentioned hill too steep for til- 
lage, and to a brook running Northwesterly, also, to 
the commencement of 



— Upland of the 1*' quality, 

timber Beech, sugarmaple Basswood & cherry 
9 . . 25 to a post, 

•iO — to another post, Land level and fine, 

24 — to a small run bearing Westerly, 

— . . 50 to another run bearing as above, and to the commence- 
ment of 



Upland of the 2I>? quality, 
timbered principally with Hemlock 



o 15 50 to a post, and to the commencement of 



.= Upland of the 1?* quality 

^ timber Beech, sugarmaple, Basswood &^ 

^ 15 . . to the commencement of 



2 Bottom Land of the 2!^? quality, timber Beech, siigar- 

•g maple, Basswood and Cherry 

^ 10 . . to a post Land level, 

^ — . . 25 to a small run bearing Westerly, 

■^ 3.. 75 to a Black ash swamp not miry, and to the com- 

men cement of 

Upland of the V.\ quality 

g timber sugar maple, Beech, Cherry &c 

•^ 4 — to the south side of the above swamp, 

^ 32 — to a Beech post Land level and fine, 

i;^ 30. . 25 to a Brook bearing Easterly 

'r 9. . 75 to a Beech post at the place of Beginning 

Explored the 4'*^ day of July 1798 

JOSEPH ELLICOTT 

Surveyor for the 
Holland Land C? 
[See also small Field Book N? 37.1 



380 iSknatb 

Surveyed 

ToM'iiship K" 3 in the 15**> Range. 
[Ripley, Chautauqua Co., — 1 R. S. 3 »8 (Otli ed.).] 

Beginning at a Sugar Maple post standing in the East boundary 
Line of a Triangular piece of Ground sold by the United States to 
tlie State of Pennsylvania Avhose Il^^pothenuse is in and along the 
Shore of Lake Erie it being the Southwest corner of said Township 
and the Northwest Corner of Township N° 2 from v.'hich post two 
bounded trees bear a Beech South thirty three degrees East thirty 
seven links, also another Beech N^ortli twenty nine Deg* East 

forty five links Four hundred and eighty chains 

and thirty nine links to a Beech post being the South East corner 

of said Township 

Thence from the aforesaid post Xorth 

seven hundred and eighty chains and seventeen 

links to an Iron wood post on the Bank of Lake Erie it being the 

Northeast corner of said Townsliip . 

thence traversing from the afoi'esaid Iron woods post 

bounding Northwestwardly by the Southeast shore of said Lake, 

to a post [standing on the Shore of said Lake J being the Northwest 
corner of said Township, and also the North-east corner of the afore- 
said Triangular piece of ground sold by the United States to the State 
of Pennsylvania and Thence from the aforesaid post South bound- 
ing West on the East boundarj^ line of the aforesaid Triangular piece 
of ground] — At thirty nine links a Monument Stone* in the 
aforesaid boundary line: At fourteen chains and twenty seven 
links a post from which two bounded trees bear a Beech North sixty 
seven degrees and thirty minutes East forty links, another Beech 
South thirty nine degrees East forty two links : at fifty four chains 
and twenty seven links a post from which two bounded trees bear 
a Chesnut North fifty degrees East fifty four links, also an Hemlock 
South fifty eight degrees East eighty four links: at ninety four 
chains and twenty seven links a post from which two bounded trees 
bear a White ash North eighty degrees East sixteen links, also a Beech 
North fourteen degrees East forty three links, at one liundred and 
tliirty four chains and twenty seven links, a ])ost from which two 
bounded trees bear a Black ash South sixty eight degrees East fift}' 
nine links, also an Hicory North forty four degrees East thirty live 
links : at one liuudred and seventy four chains and twenty seven 
links a post from which two bounded trees bear an Iron wood North 
seventy four degrees East forty live links, also an Hickory South 
sixty nine degrees East thirty six links: at two hundred and four- 

*In 1865, when seen by Dr. Peters, this mouunient was 7 feet from the edge of 
the Bank. In 1878. the site vva-s at the edge, the monument had fallen out. 



No. 71.J 381 

teen chains and twenty seven links a Stone corner on the west 
bank of a creek* from wiiieh two bounded trees bear a Biittonwood 
South eighty two degrees East ninety two links, also an Elm Nortli 
eighty three degrees East one cluiin, at two luindred and fifty four 
chains and twenty seven links a post from which two bounded trees 
bear a Chesnut North fort}^ live degres East twenty four links, also 
another Chesnut South forty nine degrees East twenty four links: 
at two hundred and ninety four chains and twenty seven links a 
post from which two bounded trees bear a Chesnut North thirty 
seven degrees East lifty links, also a Maple South sixty fiv-e degrees 
East forty six links : at tliree hundred and thirty four chains and 
twenty seven links, a post from whicli tM'O bounded trees bear a 
Beech North forty two degrees East thirty four links also a Poplar 
South sixty three degrees and thii-ty minutes East twenty seven links: 
at three hundred and seventy four chains and twenty seven links 
a post from whicli two bounded trees bear a Beech South fifty seven 
degrees East sixty four links also another Beech North thirty two 
degrees East twenty eight links: at four hundred and fourteen 
chains and twenty seven links a post from which two bounded trees 
bear a Beech South seventy two degrees East ten links also another 
Beech North foi-ty six degrees East lifty six links : at four liundred 
and fifty four chains and twenty seven links a post from which 
two bounded trees bear a Beech ^'orth tM'enty two degrees East 
twenty seven links also another Beech South ten degrees East twenty 
inks : at four liundred and ninety four chains and twenty seven 
links a post from M-hich two bounded trees bear a Beech North forty 
seven degrees East forty seven links, also a Sugar Maple South sixty 
six degrees East twenty two links :] five hundred and thirty four 
chains and twenty seven links to the first mentioned sugF maple 
post at the place of Beginning. — Containing thirty thousand eight 
hundred and sixty two acres ; Surveyed on the 29'.^? of June and 
following days to the Uth of July 1798." 

1 certify that the foregoing is an accurate description of Townsliip 
N° 3 in the fifteenth liange compared with and corrected from the 
Original Field Notes 

JOSEPH ELLICOTT \ ^'T^jJ''' ^^n. 
I Holland Land C* 

* Tweuty Mile Creek. 



382 [Senate 



Range 15tli 

Remarks on Township N?. 3 

[West line of T. 3, R. 15.] 



5 -g ^ 

<§ 6 ^ Commencing with Upland of the 1?^ quality, 

«-. timber Beech, Basswood, Sngarmaple, and Hickory 

^ — . . 39 to a Monument stone, 
■^ 13.. 88 to a post 

29 — to a rivulet bearing Northwesterly, 

11 — to a post, Land continues as above described, 

12 — to a small run bearing North westerly-, 

11 — to the commencement of a B. ash & Hemlock swamp, 
'^ 12 — to the South side of said Swamp, 
l^ 5 — to a post, 
t^ 8 . . 50 to the Presque Isle path, 

^ 31 .. 50 to a post, (on the last half mile, the Land descends 
.fl gradually to the Nortli-west,) and to a Black ash 

^ swamp — 

^ 5 . . — to the South side of said swamp not miry.^ 
o5 35 . . — to a post. Land level and fine, 
^ 20 — to the commencement of 

oQ Upland of the 2"'^ quality, 

•5 timber Chesnut, 

^ 12 — to the summit of a very steep hill* facing South- 

-^ westerly, and to the commencement of 



Upland of the Sl^ quality, 

timber Chesnut, Oak &9. 

c 8 — to a stone standmg on the West bank of a creek 2 
^ perches wid bearing Northwesterly, also to the 

O bottom of the above mentioned hill and to the Com- 

°9 mencement of 

Upland of the 2^? quality, timber as above, thence 

ascending another hill facing Northeasterly, 

6 . . 50 to the summit of said hill* too steep for tillage 
33 . . 50 to a post Land somewhat broken, 
10 — to the ascent of a steep liill facing S. westerly 

3 — to the bottom of said hill, and to a small run running 
Northwesterh^ 
14. . 22 to the summit of a hill facing southwesterly 

*^ortb and South banks of Twenty Mile Creek Canyon. 



No. 71.] 383 

4. . 78 to the bottom of said bill too steep for tillage and to a 

_fl rivnlet bearing Northwesterly,* also to the ascent of 

_5 another hill facing N.east^. too steep for cultivation 

Q 5 . . 50 to the top of said hill, 

§ 2 .. 50 to a post, 

V 20 — to the commencement of 



Upland of tiie 1?! quality, 

timber Basswood Beech, Sugar maple, with some 
_G Hemlock and Chesnut ; 

3 20— to a post, 

O 30 .. 50 to a small ran bearing Northwesterly, 
§ 9 .. 50 to a Post, Land level and line, 
^ 40 — to another post 



14. to a rivulet bearing Westerly 

26 . to a post. Land very excellent covered with nettles 

18. to a small ran bearing Soutli-westerly 

.g 16. to another run bearing Westerly 

_5 6 . to a post 

^ 11 .. 50 to a small run bearing Westerly 

§ 28 .. 50 to the first mentioned Sugar maple post at the place 



of beginning 



Explored the 9^^ day of July 1798 
JOSEPH ELL 

[See also small Field Books N^o. 37, 39, & 55.] 



JOSEPH ELLICOTT } HdlamrC"^' 



* Gorge about 2,200 feel North of Milestone 4. 



384 [Senate 



APPENDIX J. 



[Extracts from Field Book of the Keating Estate in tbe Counties of Potter and 
McKean, Pennsylvania, in the possession of Robert King, Esq., C. E., of Smeth- 
port, McKean Co. 

This is a book bound in vellum: 321 pager*, 6 inches by loi inches. 

It is probably a record of the notes from the Field Books proper. 

'J'he earlier Surveys were made by Francis King, grandfather of Robert King.] 

[Page 1.] 

The 1^^ of the 7'*^ Montli 1801. 

Began at a Hemlock corner 68 perch west of the Holland Companj 

13 mile stake on the State line where we fonnd a Sonth line which 

proved to be the District line dividing between districts N° 2 & 3* 

and traced it South ascending a mountam throngh a thick wind fall 



[Page 5.] 

Our provisions being exausted we returned home after some 
fruitlefs attempts to find the line on the east side of our lands. 

The 12 of the 10*^ montli went out to make further search after 
the East line of our lands mentioned in the last page 



[4tii The most of this day proved wet; in the evening travelled 
to the 5 mile tree in quest of a North & South line s'^ to have been 
seen by the hands, but could not find such a line. Was led to con- 
clude the line seen, was the one blazed for a road from the head of 
Pine creek to the Oswaya in the fall of 1797, which crofsed the line 
we traced in an oblique manner from S.East to N.West. 

We then went to meet the pack horses which had been previously 
directed to meet us on the 
[Page 6.] 

South bi'anch of the Allegany, thinking we should find a line that 
led that way 



[Page 14.] 

27*^^ Being short of provisions through the failure of the 

pack horse, we could not proceed to go round the west part of the 
land, I therefore resolved on returning to the beech corner from 
which we traced the 25'^'^ to which we proceeded & continued it 
nortli to ascertain the distance to the State line from those lines we 
had found in this part. 



[Pago 16.] 

3 p.* Went out to traverse Some of the lines West of the Allegany 

* Site of Milestone 140. 



No. 71.] 385 

river in order to find the Cliesnut corner mentioned in the map at 
the junctiou of the West line of tlie District IS''' 3, with the State 
line, and iinding the South line of lot N° 4322 not far from the S. 
E. Corner we traced it West to a Sngar tree Corner where the West 
line ended, when finding a line to the South we followed it one mile 
to a beech corner, hoping to find a West line ; here the South line 
ended and no line appeared to west, but one to East. We then re- 
turned by the line we came by, to the former beech corner and ran 
by compass north to the State line ; which we struck 74 p'* East of 
our 6 mile mark on a Sugar tree. 

Then proceeded to our nine mile Stake and measured from it west 
by the State line. 

At 159.4 pf in the descent of a lawrelly mount", found a line to 
South, with much loping but no corner marked. On this line at 
12 p? from the State line, we found a corner marked on a large ches- 
nut stump about 30 feet high, with the bark mostly off. 

The notches were perfect in the timber except on the west side 
which had not been cut through the bark, but was perfect in it 
which we left standing against tlie stump. 

2'' Arrived at home when it began to Snow. 
[Page 18.] 

29'? of 7'? M° 

North 298.6 p^ the State 

( 3.1 p! west of 151 Mile tree ) 
line ■< 3.8 from the Suposed Stake >• . 
( 12.3 from the 151 Mile Stone ) 

The 4'? of the 8*? M° Measured from the Supposed Stake 151 Mile 
Mark West. At 3.8 p? our Cornr of lot, 86.6 p? the Holl'' Com- 
pany's 24^ Mile 196 p? Ascent of hill. 245.6 p! the H. C-^.' 25 Mile 
Stake, 280 p^. top of hill 320.1 the 152 Mile Stone. 

At 0.1 P? Mile Stone then oblique along the point of hill, 66 p? 
steep descent 80 p? foot of steep hill 83.5 p? the H. C^? 25^ mile 
Mark, 157.5 p? a Stone w'^ N. Y. & P: 221.6 p^ the H: C-".^ 26 Mile 
Mark on a Beech. 266.6 to a blaz'* Elm on the bank of the Allegany, 
278.9 to a marked stone (on the West* bank of d") w*^?' we removed 
to 302.3 p? tins appearing by the pointers to be its place. 320 P? 
Marked 2 Miles. — ~ 

At 80.5 p^ the Holland C^? 26^ Mile mark, 140 p'! Ascended grad- 
ually, 230 Y)^ top of hill 240.7 p^ the H. C>? 27 Mile mark, 270 p^ 
descent of hill, 310.8 the 154 Mile stone 2 p? short of a small run, 
320 ascent of hill. 

6**> At 30 p? top of hill, 56 it. descent of hill 79.4 the H. C^.' 27^ 
mile post, 12u p? foot of hill, 161 small run from ISorth, 170 p? rose 
a pomt, 180 top of point, 200 p? descent of point, 214 foot of hill 
220 p® small run from N. W, 238 p? a large stone and a mark on a 

*Thi& undoubtedlj is a slip of the peu aud should be " East." This was Mile- 
stone lob. The distance he removed it would place ii on theWest baukot the River 
where it has since remained. (See foot note, page 167.) 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 49 



3S() [Senate 

Beech, W & J Willinks S W Corn^ and on another Beech 28 miles 
from G & P? S. West Corn':, 288 ascent of Mounf? 310.3 if. the 155 
Mile Stone, 320,4 Marked 4 Miles on a small Beech. 

At 16 p^ top of hill, 46 p! descended obhque the hill 76.9 p? a post 
but no marks, 197 p* small run from N. W. in a narrow hollow, 170 
pnop of hill, 185 p? descent, 232.8 p? a 1 mile post, 300 p? foot of 

hill, 319.9 Marked 5 Miles on a Heml'J 320 p! a Post. 

[Page 19.] 

At 26 if small Creek* from N. W. 71.2 p! a post, pafsing oblique • 
to left of hill, 180 p' a dry draught to rio-ht, then ascended, 200 p? 
top of hill 230.6 p? to a 2 Mile stake, 29"9.2 the 157 Mile stone on 
side of liigh point 320 p? Marked 6 miles on a small Sugar tree. 

At 10 p! descent of hill, 69 p? the H: C".^ i mile post, 76 small 
run to S: "W. 120 p? top of point, 193 p? small Spring run 210 p! a 
small spring run, 221 p? a small Creek from N: W, 227.4 to 3 mile 
post, 278 a small spring run 280 p? ascended oblique the hill to right, 
284.4 the 158 mile stone 320 p? put in a post and marked 7 Miles on 
a Beech 4 links back. 

At 6Q p? the H: C^.* i mile post. 72 p^ top of narrow Eidge. 180 
p? foot of hill 193 p? small creek from N: W, 223. 9 p! to a post 
marked Ranges N° 4 & 5 & Township's N? 1, at 292.5 the 159 Mile 
stone 320 p? put in a post and marked 8 miles on a large pine 4 links 
forward. 

7'^) At 23 ]f. a small spring run to left, 41 p^ a small spring run 
to left 63.6 pUhe li: O-^.^ i Mile post, 122 p? a little Creekf runingE. 
S. E, 154 p^ a considerable spring run from the left, 180 p? Marked 
the distance on a large Beech and put in a post, 220 p? a small run 
from left and ascent of hill 223.2 to a Mile post of the H: C^^ 286.7 
if. the 160 Mile Stone 320 p? put in a post and marked 9 miles on 
a Beech 13 links forward ; a little past this on the left is a very large 
rock and a smaller one on the right. — Serched much for the district 
line, but without efect, then rernrned toward home. 

8'** Arived at home. — 10'^ and 11".^ much rain. 

The 3'! Meridian East of Cerestown. 
12*)^ Went to the Corners N*? |il?} \IZ\ on the 4 Mile line & ran 
north 



Ascended gradually 302.6 p? made a small Beech CornT at the State 
Ime.iJ: 

[Page 30.] 



First Meridian East of Cerestown. 
The 26^^ of the 8t^ M? Began at Corners N? {o'^ii} {i}^?} on the 4 
mile line and removm the Corn'." 19. 1 p': East and marking the numbers 
on a Beech 15 links East, ran North. 



* Meeks Creek. f Indian Creek. 

^ North-east corner of Warrant No. 4330, 13 74 Chains East of N. E. Corner of 
McKean County, 



No 71.] 387 

[Page 21.] 

At 40 p? descent of hill, 99.6 jd? Marked the distance on a Hem- 
lock by road. — Then went to a Corn^ made last year 35.4 p^ West of 
a stake at the 149 Mile tree, on the State line & ran South, — At 103 
p? bank of tiie Creek 107 jj? South bank of Creek 146 p^ the run at 
the back of the Island 150.7 put up a post 160 p? Marked ^ mile on 
a small Iron wood in Corn'." of Meadow, 205 p? the road & right 
an2;ular with the tree marked this morning, the distance to s'? line 
14^6 p! 

Second Meridian East of Cerestown. 

Began at Corners N°^{^J^J|{|}J} on the 4 mile line and having re- 
moved the corn"" 15.3 p? East and marked the numbers on a post & 
small Beech allso, ran North. — 



301 .1 p? made a post Corner on the State line 11.5 p? west of the 
Holland Comp^'? 20^ mile post. — 



[Page Gl.] 



Resurveying 
Part of the line of Districts 
N° 2 & 3. by Th? Lightfoot, [1806.] 



[Page 66.] 

Then North 266 p? to the State line a small beech corner 

Then along the State line West at 320 p? a mile tree at 406 p? 
found an old corner marked 20 miles at 464 p^ the 147 Mile Stone 
566— found a post marked 20^ M. 583 p! a post Corner at 640 j3? the 
2 Mile tree at 6SQ the Genesee Creek left at 720 p^ 21 Mile post. 
878 p? the 21^ Mile tree at 960 p? a large pine right opposite the 
Indian Camp* marked 3 mile .1166 p? a pine Continued at 236 p? the 
22| Mile tree at 320 p^ the 4 mile tree an ash. 

Continued at 224 p?the 23^ mile tree at 280 p? the f Ossweye creek 
right 320 p? a sugar marked 5 mile tree. Continued at 102 p? entered 
the Osswaye creek and 114 p! left the Creek right 120 p? the 151 Mile 
Stone at 132.5 Francis King's Corner. Left the woods 7"^ M? lO*'' 
m the evening. 

Continued went to the woods 7'^ M*? 14*^^ with but two hinds. 

Continued the State line at 160 p? made a new Corner 2 p^ East of 
a Corner made by Cary — at 242 p? post Marked 25 miles, at 313 p? 
the 152 mile stone at 320 p? a sugar mile tree 
[Page 67.] 

Continued at 239 p? a tree marked 26 miles at 292 Allegany right 
294 p* the 153 mile:]: 320 p? a mile marked on a hemlock. Contmued 

*This tree stood near tlie site of the mills in Ceres. 

f Originally written Osswego and then altered in difiFerent ink to Osaweye. 

X See foot note page 167. 



388 [Senate 

at 296 p^ the 154 mile stone at 320 p? the 3 mile tree a birch Con- 
tinued at 222 p! found a large stone marked PX & S L. & a great deal 
of Witnefsing* at 320 p? tlie 4 Mile tree a hemlock. Continued at 
214 found a post marked 1 mile at 301 p? found a dead hemlock 
marked 5 mile at 320 p^ made a 5 mile tree a beech by the side of 
a deer lick & 3 p'? north of a run running nearly East. 

Continued at 8 p? a run left at 211 p? a post marked 2 miles at 
299 p? the 6 mile tree a Sugar at 320 p^ a hemlock 6 Mile tree. 
Continued at 268 p? the 158 mile stone at 296 p! a post marked 7 
mile 320 p? a beech marked 7 mile tree. Continued at 263 p* the 
]59 Mile stone at 292 p? a large pine marked 8 mile at 320 p1^ 
marked a hemlock 8 miles. 

Continued at 148 p? a beech marked 8 miles at 254 p? the 160 
Stone at 289 p! a nine mile tree a few p? East of a large rock (Which 
is about 1 p? South of the State line I think it one of the great 
cunosities of nature about 3 p^ square & 35 feet high) at 320 p^ the 
9 mile tree a Sugar. Continued at 125 p? made a post corner. f 
Then South land good chocolate Soil timber Sugar maple beech 
chessnut white pine &c 



[Page 109.] 

On Tuesday the 29*** September 1808 Started for the Tunonmag- 
uont:{: on the same day got 19ib of beef of William Atherton. 
October the 1^' began at an old cucumber corner on the State line, 
19 pi West of the 168 mile stone on the side hill Then South on the 
old line 

[Over nearly 2 pages.] 
[Page 110. 

to the maple corner Then North descending 180 p? foot of hill 200 
p? large run right 220 p! rising a hill 326 to a post corner on the 
State line. !Now 
[Page 111.1 

back to the maple East descending 120 Spring left 190 large run right 
a-t the foot of the hill 250 rising a hill, 420 bill 480 descend- 
ing 585 p? to a beech corner on an old line 10 p? south of an old 
beech corner. Then North descending 100 p^ foot of hill 108 p! large 
run right 120 risingahill then along the side hill 160 spring right 170 
spring right 212 run right then risingahill 326 p? to a beech cornor 
on the State Hue Then East along the State line 550 p? to a Cucum- 

* Holland Land Company's 28 Mile point. South- west corner of Olean. 

f North-west corner of Warrant No. 5949. 

^ Elsewhere in the Field Book from which these extracts are made this name is 
spelled Tunemengwant and Tuuonmegont. In the Holland Land Company's 
Field-boobs it is spelled Tunaunguan. Familiarly it is known as Tuna. C. D. 
Webster, C. E., of Bradford, Penn., found it Ischunuongwandt in some old notes. 
On the original Boundary Map it is spelled Cheneonguaont. Tunegawant and 
Tunungwant are local variations in spelling. Tuua-uuguaut is the most accept- 
able orthography. 



No. 71.] 389 

ber* corner the place of beginning. Then returned home on the 
8^^ day of October 1808. 
[Page 233.] 

31^' of the T'' M? 1810. 
Went to the State linef & measured West 161 p? and made a 
beech corner and ran South at 239 p? the bank of the Allegany river 
made a hickory corner %Q p? above the angle The river runing S. 
68 E. Then measured West 159.5 p? and made a maple corner on 
the bank of river then ran North up a small run. 218.1 to a sugar 
tree corner on the State line. Showering & wet all the after noon 
Then started for potatoe creek and lodged at Arnolt Hunter's 
{Page 249.] 



Not having the notes of the lots run near the State line this Sum- 
mer went to the S. W. Corner of N° 49 and measured North 218.2 
p? to the State line. 

Began at the West side of N° 49 and measured West 144.5 and 
made a post "orner on bank of river and ran North between 
N"* 50. 51. At 113 p? small run to right Then gradual ascent 240.1 p? 
made a post corner on the State line Then measured West along 
the State line descending at 40 p! foot of hill and small run to left 
45 ascent 60 top of hill Then gradual descent at 100 p? foot of hill 
and Small Creek to left at 118 p? to Holland Company 28 Mile 
mark 136.6 made a post corner and ran South between N? 51.52. at 
i6 p' Spring run left Then oblique ascent 
[Page 250] 

120 top of point Then descended at 180 foot of hill 265.6 p? made 
a hemlock corner on the bank of the river. 

2'' Measured West 116.2 p? and made a post corner on the bank 
of this river by foot of hill. Then ran north ascending oak hill 
pretty steep, land thin at 21 p? top of hill Then gradual descent at 
51 p? Spring run to right 120 p? foot of hill 133 Small creek runing 
right 266 spring nin runing to the left 332 made a pose corner on 
an old line which we took for the State line altho' it was 16.3 p* 
further tlian we made it by calculation 



*The above is a resurvey of lands covered by warrants 4334-5, etc., west of 
Tuna Valley, in McKean Co. The stump of the Cucumber was identified in 1877, 
and yet remains, 

f He probably began at the west bank of the Allegany River. 



390 Li^ENATE 



APPENDIX K. 



REPEESENTATIOX of XEW YOP.K and PEX^SYLVAXIA- 
in ANCIENT MAPS. 

[The following is a memorandum of a large number of Maps, 
published before or during the Rev^olution, exhibiting portions of 
North America, which include the provinces of New York and 
Pennsylvania. A few exhibit the entire nortliern Continent. A 
brief descrii3tion of the Boundary line between the two Provinces, 
as shown upon each map, is given. It will be noticed that in most 
of these maps the northern Boundary of Pennsylvania is shown 
about as claimed by Lieut.-Governor Hamilton of Pennsylvania. 

Many of the Maps referred to are without date, so that their 
proper chronological arrangement is impossible.] 

The Maps described in the first Series are iu the New York State 
Xibrary at Alban3\ 

" A MAP of the British and French Dominions in North 
America, witli the Roads, Distances, Limits, and Extent of the 
SETTLEMENTS, By DT Jn*^ Mitchell." [At Amsterdam.] 
" Printed for I. Covens and C. Mortier." No date [1755 ?] 

A large map of Eastern America, apparently carefully engraved, 
and with a great deal of detail. Scale, about 30 miles to the inch. 
All the parallels and meridians are shown. The Provinces are 
colored diiierent tints. 

\rhe Line of ' Pensilvania ' is a meridian north from the head of 
theNPelaware Eiver, which is nearly in Longitude 74° 30', to the 
parallel of 43 degrees, which it follows west to Longitude 79° 30', 
23assing through the south end of Lake Genentaha (Onondaga) and 
the outlet of Lake Erie ; the west line being drawn parallel with 
the Delaware River. 

Upon this map the Eastern branch of the Delaware is represented 
as the main River, the 'Mohocks' or Western branch being a short 
stream coming in from the north-west. The parallel of 42° inter- 
sects the Delaware above the forks (Hancock), passes about 7 miles 
South of ' Osewingo ' (Binghamton), and just north of ' Owegy.' 

This undoubtedfy is the Map refered to by Governor Tryon in 
his report concerning the Province of New York. (See page 48.) 
[Atlas 1, No. 41.] 

" Pensylvania Nova Jersey et Nova York cum Regionibus ad 
Eluvium Delaware in America Sitis, Nova Delineatione ob oculos 
posta per Matth, Seutternm, S. C. M. Geogr. Aug. Vind." 



No. 71.J 391 

A roughly engraved Dutch Map of no date. The Xew England 
States are especially very much distorted ; the representation of 
Xew Jersey is quite fair, extending to the northern claim line: 
The three original Counties of Pennsylvania are shown colored to the 
line of the iirst Purchase. A dotted line drawn West from the 
Delaware at about the site of Deposit is inscribed, "Die Grantz von 
Pensylvanien nach dem Koniglichen Patent. Limites Pensylvanise 
juxta diploma regium." [Atlas l,Xo. 46.] 

" Recens edita totius Nova Belgii in America Septentrional i .... 

Matthei Seutteri, Sac. Cass. Maj. Geographi August. 

Yind." 

A terribly distorted Map of no date, probably older than the 
preceeding. Includes only the north-eastern Provinces, which are 
colored various tints. 

An irregular dotted line drawn west from the Delaware, about 
west of Catskill on the Hudson, (but in latitude 43° according to 
the margin of the Map) divides " Nova Belgica sive Neu Trionalis 
Niederland Nu Jorck ■' from " Neu Pars Peimsvlvania." [Atlas i, 
Xo. 47.] 

" Totius Neobelgii Nova et Accuratissima Tabula." 

"Apud Reinier & losua Ottens Amstelodami." 

An uncolored Map of no date. Very nearly a duplicate of the 
preceding Map with fewer subdivision lines shown. The irregular 
line between " Nu Jorck " and Pennsylvania apoears however. [Atlas 
1, Xo. 48.] 

" New Map of English Plantations in America *' 

By Robert Morden. 

Maryland is bounded North by the 40'*^ Paiallel, New York 
coming down to Delaware Bay, Pennsylvania not shown (Date 
about 1680?) [Atlas 2, No. 57.] 

" A New Map of America according to the Best and Latest 
Observations." 

Henry Overton's Map of North and South America. No date. 

No Boundaries shown. The parallel of 45° passes through the 
first two syllables ''Pensil" of Pennsylvania, which is lettered in 
two lines just west of Hudson's River. [Atlas 3, Xo. 3.] 

" A New & Correct MAP of the Trading Part of the West 
Indies including the Seat of War betM^een G"" Britain and Spain : 
Likewise the British Empii-e in America. 

1741 " 

H. Overton. 
New York and ' Pensilvania ' are divided b}' a waving dotted hue 
from the Delaware river, near the north-west corner of New Jersey, 



392 [Senate 

to a point below the outlet of Lake Ontario. The ISTorth line of 
Maryland extends north-westerly and westerly (nearly West of 
Philadelphia) and northerly. East of Lake Erie and Niagara River, 
to Lake Ontario. [Atlas 2, No. 54.] 

" Carte des Possessions Angloises & Frangoises du Continent de 
I'Araerique Septentrionale 1755." 

[Name of another torn off.] 

The line of "• Pensilvanie " extends north from near the head of 
Delaware River to a point a little north-west of Otsego Lake and 
thence west throngh the head of Onondaga Lake and the Outlet 
of Lake Erie. [Atlas 2, No. 8.] 

A small Map with no title, showing " Claims of French in 1756." 
The North line of " Pensilvania " extends west from Otsego Lake 
to a point South of Niagara. [Atlas 2, No. 11.] 

" Carte des Possessions Angloises & Frangoises In Continent de 
I'Amerique Septentrionale 1755 Amsterdam Chez R. & J. Ottens" 

Provinces tinted. North line of Pennsylvania as in preceding 
map. [Atlas 1, No. IC] 

"A new and accurate Map of the English Empire in North 
America Representing their rightful Claim as confirmed by Charters 
. By a Society of Anti-Gallicians " 

Published Dec' 1755. Evidently an English transcript of the last 
preceding Map. [Atlas 1, No. 20.] 

" North America from the French of Ml" D'Anville Improved 
with the Back Settlements of Virginia and Course of Ohio Illus- 
trated with G-eographical and Historical Remarks " May 1755, pub- 
lished by Thomas J effreys. 

The North-east Corner of Pennsylvania is north-east of Otsego 
Lake which hoM^ever is located due west of a point between Albany 
and " Cooksocket " and nearly (E. of) South 75 miles from Onon- 
tagne, a Meridian from the head of the Delaware reaching to this 
point. The line passing due west about 33 miles north of the par- 
allel of 42°, strikes throngh " Chadocoin " Lake and intersects Lake 
Erie east of the site of Erie. The North Line of Connecticut pro- 
duced West would pass near " Osewingo" and about 20 miles south 
of the most southerly point of Lake Erie. [Atlas 1, No. 22'.] 

"AMERICA SEPTENTRIONALIS a Domino d'Anville in 
Gallis edita nunc in Interiordm Virginiam deductes nee non Flivii 
Ohio curfu aucta notisq geographicis et liistoricis illustrata. Sump- 
tivus Komannianorum Keredum Norebergse A° 1756" 

This Map is evidently a transcript from the preceding, except 
that the marginal " Remarks " are in Dutch. [Atlas 1, No. 23.] 

" Nouvelle Carte Particuliere de I'Ameriqne. 
A map of the Britiscli Empire in America with the French Span- 



No. 71.] 393 

ish and the Dutch Settlements adjacent thereto by Ilemy Popple, a 
London Grave par Jean Corn*. Beck 1756" 

Upon this Map the course of the Delaware and Susquehanna 
Rivers is due south 'and almost straight. The north line of Penn- 
sylvania passes due west from the head of the Delaware north of all 
the New York Lakes nearly to Oswego, striking Lake Ontario east 
of Fort Niagara. The west line is a meridian south from Lake 
Ontario, east of Fort Niagara, passing through the eastern extremity 
of Lake Erie. [Atlas l, No. 2G.] 

" Carte Particuliere de 1' Amerique Septentrionale." 

By Henry Popple. Printed at Amsterdam for I. Covens and C. 

Mortier. No date. Nearly a transcript of 'the last preceding map. 

[Atlas 1, No. 37.] 

" Carte Nouvelle de 1' Amerique Angloise a 

Amsterdam Chez Pierre Mortier Libraire." 

A French map with no date. Tlie line of Pennsylvania is a me- 
ridian from the head of the Delaware to a point north of the Mo- 
hawk, and then west, striking Lake Ontario 40 miles East of " Fort 
de Conty " at outlet of Niagara. The South line is drawn along the 
40*'^ Parallel. [Atlas 1, No. 33.] 

"Nouvelle Carte Particuliere de I'Amerique." No date. 

Represents the present area of the United States and Canada in 
two maps, divided North and South through Central New York. 
Upon it, as in some of the preceding, the course of the Delaware is 
almost straight, due South. The North line of '"Pennsylvania" is 
drawn M^est from the head of the Delaware, passing between Oneida 
Lake and Oswego, striking Lake Ontario east of Fort Niagara ; The 
west line passing east of the Niagara River. In the north-west 
corner of the Map is the following : — 

" Mr. Popple undertook this MAP with the Approbation of the 
Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of Trade and Planta- 
tions; and greate Care has been taken by comparing all the Maps, 
Charts, and Observations that could be found, efpeciallj' the Anilien- 
tick Records & Actual Surveys transmitted to their Lordships by 
the Governors of the British Plantations, and Others, to correct 
the many Errors committed in former Maps, and the Original Draw- 
ing of This having been shewn to the Learned Dr Edmund Hallet, 
Profesfor of Astronomy in the University of Oxford and F. R. S. 
he was pleased to give his Opinion of it in the words following 

" / have feen the ahove-mentioned Map, lolch as far as I am 
Judge, feems to have heen laid down with great Accxtracy, and, to 
shew the Position of the different Provinces & Islands in that Pai't 
of the Globe more tridy than any yet extant. 

"EDMUND HALLEY" 

(Compare with any modern map of the United States !) [Atlas 1 
No. 87&38.] 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 50 



394: [Senate 

" America Septeiitrionalis A map of the Britisli Empire in 
America" 



by Hen. Popple" ^o date. 
Rivers and Boundary shown as in other Popple Maps. [Atlas 2, 
No. 7.] 

"A Map of North America With the European Settlements & 
whatever else is remarkable in y^ West Indies from the lateft and 
beft Observations." " R. W. Seale delin." 

A small uncolored map without date — 

The North line of Pennsylvania passing; west fi'om the head of 
the Delaware River, n6rth of Oneida Lake, strikes Lake Ontario 
east of Fort Niagara. [Atlas 2, Xo.4.] 

[It was undoubtedly from Maps of the character of the few last preceding that 
Gov. Hamilton ^ot his idea that Pennsylvania was bounded north and west 
partly by Lake Ontario.] 

" Chart of the Atlantic Ocean with the British, French, & SjDanish 
Settlements in North America and the West Indies as also the Coast 
of Africa." T. Jeffreys, No date. 

The line of "Pensilvania" is rather indistinctly shown by a line 
of color passing from the head of the Delaware, around Otsego Lake 
and down to " Oswiga," and along Lake Ontario. [Atlas 2, No. 9.] 

A small map with no title showino; the " F'"ench Dominions in 
America as prepared by M. Bussy, 1761" 

The line of Pennsylvania is shown by color as in the last preced- 
ing map. [Atlas 2, No. 10. j 

"A New Map of North America shewing the Advantages obtained 
therein to England by the Peace." 

A map 6 by 8 inches with no date. 

North line of ' Pensilvania ' drawn irregularly from Otsego Lake 
west to the frontier line of the L'oquois east of the head of the 
" Ohio," about west from Albany. [Atlas 2, No. 6.] 

" A New Map of North America from the Latest Discoveries, 
1763" 

"• J. Spelsbury Sculp." 

A small map showing the Eastern half of the present United 
States. The North Hne of Pennsylvania passing west from the 
meridian of the liead of the Delaware River, through Onondaga and 
outlet of Lake Erie. [Atlas 3, No. 5.] 

" Province de Neuyork par ordre du Gouverneur Chez le Ronge 
rue des grands augustins." 

Tins map has no printed title. The above is written in the margin. 



ISTo. 71.] 395 

It includes Xe\v York, Pennsvl^aiiia, Maryland, and the New Eng- 
land and Canada Provinces. Without date, but the present line be- 
tween New York and Xew Jersey is shown, inscribed '' en 1769." 

A dotted line along the parallel of 42° is inscribed, " Limites de 
la Penfylvanie par Patentes," It passes west from near its present 
intersection with the Delaware, to Kortli of Binghamton. A dotted 
line starting from the same point, passing south of west to the forks 
of the Susquehanna, is inscribed " Limites Meridionales eutre la 
Pensylvanie et les Six Nations." [Atlas 1, No. 52. J 

" A Map of the Wliole^ Continent of America divided into North 
and South and West Indies" 



" Compiled from MT D Anville's Maps of that Continent, 1772." 
Published in London, April 1, 1772, by Robert Sayer. 
North, line of Pennsylvania is not shown. The East line follows 
the Delaware to near the present Nortli-west Corner of New Jersey, 
then an irregular line north crossing the upper Delaware and Sus- 
quehanna, terminating in Central New York. [Atlas 1, No. 95.] 

A French Map of the " Seat of War in Araericry." " Supplement 
au Courier d L'Europe No XXXII Vol II" without date. Shows 
the Boundary about as at present, north of " Endless Mountains." 
[Atlas 1, No. 56.] 

An Accurate MAP of North America Describing and distin- 
guishing the British Spanish and the French Dominions on this 
great Continent ; Exhibiting the Present Seat of War and the 
Frencli Encroachments. 

"Also all the West India Iflands Belonging to, and pofsessed by 
the Several European Princes and States. The whole laid down ac- 
cording to the latest and Moft authentick Improvements. By Eman 
Bo wen Geogr to His Ma.iesty, And John Gibl'on, Engraver." 

A map on large scale with no date, uncolored but varnished. It 
includes Mexico and Central America and the southern portion of 
Hudson's Bay. 

The north line of " Pensylvania" passes through " Onondago," 
and " Oskwego " at the outlet of Lake Erie. [Atlas 1. No. 91.] 

" An Accurate Map of North America Describing and distinguish- 
ing the British and Spanish Dominions in the Great Continent Ac- 
cording to the Definite Treaty Concluded at Paris 10''' Feb^ 1763." 

Nearly a duplicate of the last preceding. [Atlas i, No. 94.] 

" A Map of the Middle British Colonies in North America First 
Pubhshed by M^ Lewis Evans of Philadelphia in 1755." 



HevisL'd l.v T. PowtiHll. Published March 25, 1776. 



396 [Senate 

TsTorth line of 'Pensylvania' sliown by a green line from the Dela- 
ware in Latitude 42° 05' M^est to Lake Erie north of " Jadaxque." 
A Copy of this Map is in the possession of the Historical Society of 
Pennsylvania. [Atlas 2, No. 13.] 

" A General Map of the Middle British Colonies in America 

Corrected from Governor Pownall's 

Late Map of 1776." 

Along the upper margin of the map is the legend, " The Seat of 
War in the Middle British Colonies Containing Virginia, Maryland 
the Delaware Counties &ca." 

The line of Pennsylvania, dotted and colored, follows up " Great 
Viskill " or Delaware River to about the location of Deposit, then 
North-east to the Susquehanna, and then a Meridian north to a point 
7 miles East of " Oneyda Lake." then due west through that Lake 
striking Lake Ontario just west of Oswego ! [Atlas 2,No. 12.] 

" A New and Correct Map of North America with the West India 
Islands divided According to the last Treaty of Peace Concluded at 
Paris 10*^ Feb^ 1763, wherein are particularly Distinguished the 
Several Provinces and Colonies which Compose the British Empire. 
Laid down according to the Latest Surveys, and Cori-ected from the 
Original Materials of Gover' Pownall, Mein*^^ of Parlia"*, 1777." 

A large Map, evidently a revision of Bowen's Map described above. 

Shows the North Boundary of Pennsylvania on the 42° parallel 
intersecting the Susquehanna below " Osewingo ; " but an alternative 
boundary lined with color runs north from the head of Delaware 
River, on the Meridian of 75°, to a point near north-east corner of 
Oneida Lake; then west, passing north of that Lake, to Lake Onta- 
rio just West of Oswego. Lines of Provinces colored. [Atlas 1, No. 

" Carte de la Partie Septentrionale des Etats Unis, comprenant 
Le Canada La Nouvelle Ecosse, New Hampshire, Massachuset's Bay, 
Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Torek, Etat de Vermont avec partie 
de Penfilvanie et de New Jersey." 

" Andr^ Scripsit. ' 

A well engraved map with no date, of eastern portion of Middle 
States, with Canada and the Eastern States. Boundary of " Pen- 
sylvanie " from the head of the Delaware to " Conajohari," up the 
Mohawk to its head and across to Lake Ontario. [Atlas 1, No. 29.] 

" Carte Generale des Etats Unis de l.'Amerique Septentrionale 
renfermant aussi quelques Provinces Angloises adjacentes." 

" Andre scrip " 

A Map showing the United States east of the Mississippi. 

The east line of " Pensilvanie" crosses from head of Delaware 
River to the Mohawk, up which it follows, and down the Black River 
to Lake Ontario. [Atlas i, No. 30.] 



No. Yl.] 397 

" A New Map of the United States of Nortli America with the 
British Dominions on that Continent &c By Samuel Dunn Mathe- 
matician Improved from the Surveys of Capt. Carver." 

Embraces east half of North America. Boundaries of the United 
States outlined in green. Xo Boundary shown between New York 
and Pennsylvania. [Atlas 2, No. 3.] 

[The preceding Maps are in the New York State Library in two 
large Atlases. In Del'Isle's Collection in the State Library are the 
following : — ] 

" L'Ameriqne Septentrionale 



Par G. del'Isle Geographe 

A Paris 1700." 

Exhibits all known North America, 
The north-western line of the British Provinces passes in a south- 
westerly direction across the center of Lake Champlain and south-east 
of 'Onontague,' and east of the Ohio. The northerly corner of 
' Pensilvanie' is in this line, a little south of east of ' Onontague,' and 
in Latitude 42°. The Delaware is a short stream not reaching so 
far north. [No. 69. Del'Isle's Coll.] 

" Carte du Canada on de la Nouvelle Finance Par 

Guillaume Del'Isle 17U3 " 

Exhibits the North eastern part of North America, North of 
Virginia. 

North line of ' Pensih^anie' runs "^vesterly from head of ' Delvar,' 
in Latitude 42°, nearly to head of Ohio Kiver and then South. If 
continued west it would strike Lake Erie near the present site of 
Erie. A river heading in " Buks" County runs north, parallel with 
the ' Delvar,' into a long lake a short distance west of ' Onontague,' 
and is called " R. de Chowegonen." [No. 71, Del'Isle's Coll.] 

" Carte du Mexique et de la Floride des terres Angloises et des 

Isles Antilles Par Guillaume Del'Isle Geo Graphe 

1703." 

Includes all the present area of the United States. The Pennsyl- 
vania line is drawn very nearly as in the last preceding map. [No 73 
Del'Isle's Coll.] 

" Carte de la Louisiane et du Cours du Mississipi 

Par Guil^""'*^ Del'isle de I'Acadamie W? des Sciences." 1718 

Exhibits the entire area of the United States west of the New 
England States and East of the R. del Norte. 

* Pensilvanie ' is bounded north by a line starting from a large lake 
at the head of the Delaware in Latitude 41° 30', and running south 
westerly to the Susquehanna River. [No. 72, Del'Isle's Coll.] 

"Etats Unis de I'Amerique Septentrionale Avec les Isles Royale, 
de Terre Neuve de St Jean I'Acadie &c 1785." 



398 [Senate 

" Chez Delamarche." 
The line between " Pensilvanie " and New York follows the west 
branch of Delaware to the head, and then an irregular line northerly 
to Onondaga Lake and down the River to Oswego. [No. 74, Del'Isle's 
Coll.] 

In the History of North America by " William Douglass, M. D." 
1755, facing the title page, is a copy of the Jeffreys Map, Atlas 1, 
JSTo. 22, above. As a very apt commentary npon his own map, wit- 
ness the following extract from a foot-note on page 3G2 of Vol. i : 
" Dr. Cotton Mather's Map of New England, New York, Jersies, 
and Penfylvania, is composed from some old rough draughts of the 
first discoverers, with obsolete names not known at this time, and lias 
scarce any resemblance to the Country : it may be called a very er- 
roneous antiquated Map. 

" Cap* Cyprian Southack's land map of the eastern North 
America, is worse ; it is as rude as if done by an Indian, or as if 
done in those ages when men first began to delineate countries : it 
gives no information, but has no other bad effect, than turning so 
much jDaper to waste. But his large chart of the Coast of Nova 
Scotia and New England, being one continued error, and a random 
performance, may be of pernicious consequence in trade and naviga- 
tion ; therefore it ought to be publickly advertised as such, and de- 
stroyed, wherever it is found among sea Charts." 

" A New Map of the British Dominions in North America with 
the limits of the Governments annexed thereto by the late Treaty of 
Peace and settled by Proclamation October 7^.'' 1763 Engraved hy 
T Kitchen Geographer." 

A fairly engraved Map at page 130 of the Annual Register (Lon- 
don) for 1763. It shows the line of " Pensylvania," running north 
from the head of the Delaware to the 43*^ parallel, crossing the out- 
let of Otsego Lake, then west, passing north of "Onondago" and 
through the outlet of Lake Ei-ie. [N. Y. State Library.] 

" A New Map of North America from the latest discoveries, 
1763." 

A duplicate of the above, very clearly engraved. Facing title page 
of small volume of Charters of various provinces in North America. 
[N. Y. State Library.] 

" To His Excellency William Tryon, EsqE Captain General & 
Governor in Chief of the Province of New York &c &c. This 
Map of the Country of the VI Nations Proper, with part of the 
Adjacent Colonies is humbly inscribed by his Excellency's Most 
Obedient humble Servant, Guy Johnson 1771." 

A MS. Map (framed) in New York State Library. 

Shows only a diagonal line extending south of east from 



No. 71.] 399 

" Oweg_y " to the point on the Delaware where the present line 
begins. " Tiaoga," just below the present intersection of the Boun- 
dary', is shown very nearly west from the Delaware intersection 
of the Line drawn on the Map. 

This Map was prepared by Col. Guy Johnson at the request of 
Kev Chas. Inglis, and was attached by the latter to " A Memorial 
concerning the Iroquois.'' The Memorial with a copy of the map 
is to be fo'und in X. Y. Doc. Hist. (4°), iv, 661. 

" A Chorographical Map of the Northern Department of North 
America Drawn from the Latest and most accurate Observations." 

A Map printed at New Haven, showing the State of Vermont, 
parts of New Hampshire, Massachusetts. Connecticut, New York 
and Pennsylvania, and Canada. No date. Coj^y published in N. 
Y. Doc, Hist. (-1:°), iv, 331, accompanying papers on the controversy 
between New York and New Hampshire. 

Represents the north east corner of Pennsylvania just west. of 
Fort Stanwix ; the north line passing north of Oneida Lake, strik- 
ing Lake Ontario west of Oswego. 

[The following Maps are among those in the possession of the 
Historical Society of Pennsylvania.] 

^' Amerique Septentrionale " corrected in 1776 by M. Hawkins, 
pubhshed at Paris in 1777, is evidently a French transcript of the 
map by " Dr. Michel " first described in this list. It shows the line 
of the Provinces about as in the original Mitchell Map, the north 
line of Pennsylvania being about 2 minutes north of the parallel of 
43 degrees, 

"A New Map of North America" with no date, "Printed for 
John Bowles at the Black Horse in Cornhill, London." "This Map 
is Laid down by De la rochette and Engra\'ed by Tho. Kitchen," 

It places the north-east Corner of Pennsylvania east of Otsego 
Lake, the north line passing through that Lake, the village of 
"Onondage" and the outlet of Lake Erie. 

" A Map of Pennsylvania New Jersey New York and the three 
Delaware Counties," by Lewis Evans, 1749. Shows the Boundary 
between New York and Pennsylvania upon the parallel of 42 de- 
^'ees, which is drawn to intersect the Delaware River at the site of 
Deposit, and the Susquehanna at Owego ; and the line is marked 
" The Bounds of Pensilvania by Patent." 

A copy of another Edition (175;"i) of Lewis Evans' Map (described 
among the Maps in the New York State Library.) 

This Map is accompanied by a 32 page Octavo book of " Geo 



400 [Senate 

graphical, Historical, Political, Philosophical and Mechanical Essays. 
The First Containing an Analysis Of a General Map of the Middle 
Britisli Colonies in America And of the Conntry of the Confederate 
Indians A Description of the Face of the Country ; The Boundaries 
of the Confederates And the Maratime and Inland Navigations of 
the Several Rivers and Lakes Contained therein By Lewis Evans 
Philadelphia Printed by B. Franklin, and D. Hall. MDCCLV." 

In a foot note to page 3, Mr. Evans remarks " We call nothing 
Surveys but actual Mensuration with a Chain, and the Course taken 
with a good Surveying Instrument. Courses with a Pocket Com- 
pass and computed Distances we call Computations^ 

" The Province of New York and New Jersey with part of 
Pennsylvania and the province of Quebec Drawn by Major Holland 
Surveyor General of the Northern District in America Corrected 
and Improved from the Original Materials By Governor Pownall 
Member of Parliament 1776." 

Gives no northern boundary to Pennsylvania; but it shows the 
parallel of 42 degrees drawn through the site of Deposit and north 
of "Osewingo" (Binghamton). 

Sauthier's Map of 1779 does not reach West of the Delaware 
River, and so does not show the position of the Pennsylvania 
Boundary. [N. Y. Doc. Hist., Vol. i.] 

The two Maps represented in Yol. viii, of the Colonial History 
of New York, (Sketch No. 1 being a transcript from one) are already 
mentioned in the text. 

" A General Map of the Northern British Colonies in America 

" Regulated by the Astronomical and Trigonometrical Observa- 
tions of Major Holland and Corrected from Governor Pownall's 
Late Map 1776 " 

Embraces the North East provinces, N. J., and N. Y., and east 
half of Penn. The Boundary between New York and Pennsylvania 
is a Meridian from the Delaware river near the present east line of 
Broome County, north to near Fort Stanwix, and then a line drawn 
west, passing north of " Onondaga (Oneida) Lake " to Lake Ontario 
west of Oswego. 

"A General Map of the Middle British Colonies in America 
Corrected from Governor Pownall's Late Map, 1776 '' 

The Boundary between the two States is represented very nearly 
as in the preceding. 

[The last two maps are N° 3 and 4 in the " American Military 
Pocket Atlas" in the New York State Library. Published in Lon- 



No. 71.] 401 

don by Sayre and Bennett. I believe there is a copy in the Penn- 
sylvania State Library.] 

"To the Honorable Thomas Penn and Richard Penn Esqnires 
True and Associate Proprietors and Governors of the Province of 
Pennfylvania and the Territories therennto belonging and to the 
Honorable John Penn Esquh'e Lieutenant Governor of the Same 
This Map of the Province of Pennsylvania Is humbly dedicated 
by their most Obedient humble Servant W. Scull. Philadelphia 
printed by James Novel for the Author April 1^* 1770." 

In the office of the Secretary of Internal Affairs at Harrisburg. 
It shows a line extending east from " Owegy," north of 'Chenengo,' 
nearly to the river north of Onaquago, and then South. This is 
Pobert L. Hooper's line of 177-1, mentioned at page 58. It also 
shows the line north west from the forks of the Susquehanna, fixed 
by the Treaty of 1754, afterward abrogated. 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 51 



402 [Senate 



APPENDIX L. 



The Disputes with Massachusetts and Connecticut. 

The settlement of the claims of Massachusetts and Connecticut to 
lands " beyond the Province of New York," based upon their orig- 
inal charters, forms an interesting chapter in the history of both 
the Parallel and Meridian Boundaries. The story of the Massachu- 
setts claim is really a part of the history of the Meridian Boundary. 



The Massachusetts Claim. 

King James I granted by Letters Patent in 1620, November 3, to 
" The Council established at Plymouth, in the County of Devon, for 
the planting, rnhng, ordering, and governing of New England in 
America, .... all that part of America lying and being in 
breadth, from fourty degrees of northerly latitude, from the equi- 
noxtiall line, to fourty-eight degrees of the said northerly latitude, 
inclusively, and in length of, and within all the breadth aforesaid, 
throughout the maine lands, from sea to sea, together, also, with all 
iirme lands, soyles, grounds^ havens, ports, rivers, waters, fish- 
ing, mines, and inineralls, as well royall mines of gould and silver, 
as other mines and mineralls, precious stones, quarries, and all and 
singular other commodities, jurisdictions, royalties, privileges, fran- 
chises, and prehemininces, both within the said tract of land upon 
the maine, and also within the islands and seas adjoining : Provided 
always that the said islands or any the premises hereinbefore men- 
tioned, and by these presents intended and meant to be granted, be 
not actually possessed or inhabited by any other Christian Prince or 
State, nor within that Southei-n Colonies heretofore by us granted 
to be planted by divers of our loving subjects, in the south part." 

The exception in the proviso applied^ among other possessions, to 
those of the Dutch along and near the Hudson Kiver. Upon 19 
March 1628, the Council conveyed to Sir Henry Rosewell and his 
associates, " all that Parte of Newe England in Amiriea which lyeth 
and extendeth between a great River there commonlie called Mono- 
mack, alias Merrimack River, and a certen other River there, called 
Charles River, being in the Bottome of a certen Bay there, comonlie 
called Massachusetts .... and all Landes and Hereditaments 
whatsoever lyeing within theLymitts aforesaide. North and South, in 
Latitude and Bredth, and in Length and Longitude, of and within all 



No. 71.] 403 

the Bredtli aforesaide, tlironghout the MayneLandes there from the 
Atlantick and Westerne Sea and Ocean on the East Parte, to the 
Soutli Sea on the West Parte." 

A charter was o^raiited in 1629, 4 March, by Charles I covering 
the same lands, with the proviso excepting lands '' actually possessed 
or inhabited by any otiier Christian Prince or State." The south 
bounds of this grant were afterward found to be in Latitude 42° 02', 
the latitude of the present north boundary of Connecticut. 

In 1664, 12 March, Charles II granted to his brother, James, the 
Duke of York, certain lands in New England. " Together alsoe 
with the said River called Hudsons River and all the land from the 
west side of Connectecutte River to the east side of De la Ware 
Bay . . . . " This part of the grant interfered with the pre- 
vious grants to Connecticut and Massachusetts. The extent inland 
was not fixed ; the limit of '' the South Sea" even being omitted. The 
presumption is that the Southward bound, the east side of Delaware 
River, following up the Delaware River, was also intended to be 
its western bound — King Charles evidently construed it thus when 
he made his grant to Penn in 1682. 

At the date of this grant (of 1664) the territory which it covered 
was in the possession of the Dutch, holding originally under a trad- 
ing charter incorporating the Dutch West India Company in 1621, 
M'ith indefinite jurisdiction. As is remarked in the History of the 
Meridian Boundary the Dutch were a coastwise people, confining 
their settlements to a narrow margin along the navigable waters, 
making no formal claim over the interior of the country beyond that 
of a few manorial grants with definite boundaries. Their title in- 
land seems to have been rather prospective than actual, as is sliown 
by Van der Donck in his Description of Kew Netherland in 1656. 

"On the north, the river of Canada stretches a considerable dis- 
tance, but to the northwest it is still undefined and unknown. Many 
of our Netherlanders have been far into the country, more than sev- 
enty or eighty miles from the river and sea-shore. We also fre- 
quently trade wnth the Indians who come more than ten and twenty 
days' journey from the interior, and who have been farther off to 
catch beavers, and they know of no limits to tlie country, and when 
spoken to on the subject they deem such enquiries to be strange and 
singular. Therefore we may safely say, that we know not how 
deep, or how far we extend inland. There are however many signs, 
which indicate a great extent of country, such as the land winds, 
which domineer much, with severe cold, the multitudes of beavers, 
and land animals which are taken, and the great numbers of watei- 
fowl, which fly to and fro, across the country, in the spring and fall 
seasons. From these circumstances we judge that the land extends 
several hundred miles into the interior ; therefore the extent and 
greatness of this province are still unknown." 

To remove any doubt of the validity of the Duke's title, the char- 
ter of 1664 was supplemented and confirmed by a second grant, 29 
June, 1674, covering the same territory. 



iO-i [Senate 

In 1684 the Massachusetts Charter of 1629 was adjudged void by 
the High Court of Chancery of England. This apparently did not 
affect the validity of the deed given by the Council, although the 
New York Council was of the opinion in 1753 that the original 
Charter of 1620, under which the deed was given, was void in itself, 
which would include the deed in its effects.* 

Upon the application of the agents of the Colonists a new charter 
was granted 7 October 1691, incorporating the colonies of Massachu- 
setts Bay and New Plymouth, Maine and Nova Scotia into " one 
real province, by the name of our province of the Massachusetts Bay, 
in New-England." The Boundaries of the new province included 
" all that part of New England, in America, lying and extending from 
the great river commonly called Monomack, alias Merimack, on the 
north part, and from three miles northward of the said river to the 
Atlantick or Western Sea or Ocean on the South part, and all the 
lands and hereditamerits whatsoever, lying within the limits afore- 
said, and extending as far as the outermost points or promontories of 
land called Cape-Cod, and Cape-Malabar, north and south, and in 
latitude, breadth, and in length, and longitude, of and wnthin all the 
breadth and compass aforesaid, throughout the main land there, from 
the said Atlantic or Western Sea and Ocean, on the east part, towards 
the South Sea, or Westward, as far as our colonies of Rhode-Island, 
Connecticut, and the Narraganset country " 

The new Charter, it will be seen, limited the Colony " toward the 
South Sea, or Westward " as far as the Colony of Connecticut, no 
doubt with the idea that the western limit of Connecticut had been 
fixed by the agreement between the Commissioners of the Duke of 
York and Delegates from the Colony, 30 November, 1664,t twenty 
miles east of Hudson's River, and subsequently, 28 Nov., 1783, con- 
firmed by agreement between Governor Dongan, and Governor 
Treat and the Commissioners of Connecticut. :j: 

Connecticut however claimed lands west of the province of New 
York, and practically made good her claim in her contest with Penn- 
sylvania, as we shall presently see. Under this construction of the 
Connecticut Charter, the lands conveyed by the Second Massachu- 
setts Charter would be co-extensive, and reach beyond the province of 
New York also. 

The Massachusetts General Court in 1754, held that notwithstand- 
ing the decision of the Court of Chancery on the charter of 1629, the 
charter of 1691 practically confirmed the original grant of 1620 
through which Sir Henry Rosewell and others obtained title. § 

Governor Tryon in his report upon the Province of New York in 
1774,1 in answer to the question, " What are the reputed Boundaries, 
and are any Parts disputed and by whom ?", argues the case in favor 
of New York thus ; " The Boundaries of the Province of New York 

* N. Y. Council Minutes (MS.) xxiii, 55. 

f N. y. Col. MSS., Ixix, 4 8 Idem Ixxviii, 64 

i Idem Ixix, 10 1 N. Y. Col. Hist., viii, 434-457. 



'No. 71.] 405 

are derived from Two Sources First, the Grants from King 
Charles the Second to his I>rother James Duke of York dated the 
12 March 166f, and the 29 June 1674, which were intended to 
convey to the Duke all the Lands claimed by the Dutcli, the first 
occupants of this Colony. — Secondly, from the Submission and Sub- 
jection of the Five Nations of Indians to the Crown of England. 

"The Descriptive part of both tlie Duke's Grants is in the same 
Words and exclusive of the territory Eastward of Connecticut River, 
since granted to the Massachusets Bay by their Charter of 1691, 
comprehends ' All that Island or Islands commonly called Matta- 
wacks or Long Island, together with Hudson's River, and all the Land 
from the West side of Connecticut River to the East side of Dela- 
ware Jjay.' Connecticut River extends beyond, and Hudson's River 
takes its rise a little to the Southward of the Forty fifth Degree of 
Northern Latitude ; And as a Line from the Head of the River Con- 
necticut to Delaware Bay, would exclude the greatest part of Hud- 
son's River, which is expressly granted to the Duke of York, the 
Boundary most consistent with the Grants to the Duke, and the 
Claim of New York founded thereon, is a Line from the Head of 
Connecticut River to the Source of Hudson's River, thence to the 
Head of Mohawk Branch of the Hudson's River, and thence to 
the East side of Delaware Bay. 

"That this has been the reputed Boundary under the Duke's 
title has been confirmed by tlie Grants of this Government extend- 
ing Westward nearly to the Head of the Mohawk Branch of 
Hudson's River, and Southward of that Branch to within a few miles 
of the North Boundary of Pennsylvania. 

" No other Construction will justify the Terms of the Grants to 
the Duke, nor any Lines less comjjrehensive, include the Lands pat- 
ented by this Province or ceded to the Crown by the Indians, at the 
Treaty of Fort Stanwix in 1768. 

" The Second source of the Title of this Government is grounded 
on the claim of the Five Nations who are in the Treaty of Utrecht 
acknowledged by France to be subject to Great Britain. 

"Soon after the English conquered this Country from the Dutch, 
pursuing their system of Policy, they entered into a strict Alliance 
with the Natives, who b}^ Treaties with this Colonj^, subjected them- 
selves to the Crown of England, and their Lands to its protection, 
and from this Period were always treated as Subjects, and their 
Country consider'd by this Government as part of the Province of 
New York, which probably gave rise to the extended jurisdiction 
of this Colony beyond the Duke's Grants, signified by the M'ords 
' The Teretories depending thereon ' which are found in all the Com- 
missions of the Crown to its Governors 



" It is uncertain at this Day to what Extent the Five Nations car- 
ried their claim to the Westward and Northward but there is no doubt 
it went to the North beyond the 45 Degree of Latitude and West- 



406 [Senate 

ward to Lake Huron, their Beaver Himtiiig Countr}' being bounded 
to the West by that Lake, which Country the Five Nations by Treaty 
with the Governor of this Province at Albanj'- in 1701, snrrender''d 
to the Crown to be protected and defended for them — Mitchel in 
his Map* extends their claim uuich further Westward, and he is 
supported in this opinion by Maps and other authorities very Ancient 
and Respectable. 

" Tlie above Treaty of 1701 is to be found among the Kecords of 
Indian Transactions but it is recited and the surrender made thereby 
confirmed in a Deed dated the 14 September 1726f by whicli tlie 
Seneca, Cayouga and Onondaga Nations also surrender'd their Llab- 
itations to King George the first 



" Without any view to the more Westerly claim of the Five Na- 
tions, supposing the Colony to comj^rize wdthin its Limits or Juris- 
diction, the Country those Nations surrendered to the Crown by the 
Description of the Beaver Hunting Country as before mentioned — 
The Boundaries of the Province of New York are as follow. 



" On the West Thence the 

North Boundary Line of Pensylvania to the Northwest Corner of 
that Provin"ce; and continuing the same Line to a point in Lake Erie 
which bears due South from the East Bank of the Streight of 
D'Etroit and of Lake Huron to the Forty Fifth Degree of Northern 
Latitude. 

" On the North, A Line from a point on the East bank of Lake 
Huron in the Latitude of forty five East to the River St. Lawrence, 
or the South Boundary Line of Quebec ; Thence along the South 
Boundary Line of that IVovince across the River St. Lawrence to the 
Monument on the East Bank of Lake Champlain, fixed there in the 
45 Degree of Northej-n Latitude ; Thence East along the Line 
alread)^ run and marked to the Monument or Station fixed on the 
West Bank of the River Connecticut in the same Latitude." 

Then speaking of the dispute with Massachusetts over the Eastern 
Boundary of New York he says after mentioning the abrogation of 
the Massachusetts Charter of 1829, " instead of so extensive and 
unreasonable a Grant of Three Thousand Miles in lengtli, they ob- 
tained, it is true, by that Charter [lODl] a great addition of Territory 
Eastward, but were confined in their Western Limits, which extend 
' toward the South Sea as far as the Colonies of Rhode Island, Con- 
necticut and the Narragansett Country.' " 

* See Appendix K. 

f This Deed contains an actual surrender to the Crown by the Senecas, Cayugas 
and Onondagas, of " All that Land lying & being sixty Miles Distance taken 
Directly from the Water into the Country, Beginning from a creek called Cana- 
hogue [Cuyahoga River] on the Lake Oswego, [Erie] all along the said Lake "and 
the Niagara River and Lake " Catarackqui " [Ontario], "to the creek called Cay- 
nunghage [Salmon River] belonging to the Onnondages." (See N. Y., Col. Hist., v, 
800-1). The Indian Deed of 1701 is in N. Y., Col. Hist., iv, 908-9. It covered aa 
indefinite area as far west as the head of Lake Michigan. 



No. 71.] 407 

Then referring still further at length to this claim he asserts that 
" had it been considered as well grounded would long since have 
been prosecuted and brought to a decision. ... A claim so 
long dormant, can hardlj be expected under any Circumstance to 
be now revived with a prospect of success, and whatever Judgment 
the Assembly of Massachusetts Bay may have formed, certainly 
their present Governor had no opinion of its solidity, M'hen at the 
late meeting of the Commissaries of both Provinces at Hartford in 
1773, he declared, ' That it was a mere Ideal, Yisionary project, in 
which he believed Nobody to be sincere,' and discovered an anxiety 
least it sliould interrupt the progress of the Treaty." 

Governor Tryon heroin acknowleges that the most consistent 
western boundary of New York according to the Grant to the Duke 
of York is the Delaware River. 

Massachusetts apparently made no formal claim to lands westward 
, of New York under either of these charters until after the Revolu- 
tion. The disputes during the Colonial period were confined to 
the proper Eastern Boundary of the gi-ant to the Duke of York. 
The w^estward claim was incidental. During the discussion of this 
subject between the Assemblies of the two Provinces the General 
Court of Massachusetts in February 1768, ^'■Resolved, 1st. That 
the Massachusetts government have always claimed as their right, 
jurisdiction over the whole territory, within their north and south 
limits, from the Atlantic ocean to the South sea, saving only such 
part thereof as on the third day of November, in the eighteenth 
year of King James the First, was actually possessed or inhabited 
by any other Christian prince or state." 

And also resolved to concede a line twenty miles east from the 
ITudsons River, " Provided^ That this concession, if not agreed to 
by New York, be not improved to the disadvantage of the Massa- 
chusetts claim ; Provided also,. That nothing shall be understood to 
prejudice the right of this province to lands westward of the prov- 
ince of New-York. And this court, for the reasons above men- 
tioned, doth further concede, that the aforementioned lines of 
distance from Fludson's river, shall be measured as horizontal lines, 
instead of lines measured according to the surface of the earth." 

To this the' New York Assembly at once responded, (5 February,) 
" That this house are sorry to find, that their hopes entertained of a 
friendly agreement between the colonies, will probably be frustrated 
by the immoderate claims of Massachusetts Bay, it appearing from 
the said resolutions of the general court, that disputes may arise 
between that colony and this, as well with respect to our Avestern as 
our eastern boundary, there being a proviso inserted, that nothing 
in their resolutions is to be understood to prejudice the right of 
that province to lands westward of this colony, which this 
house apprehend may prove a new and fruitful source of anx- 
iety and confusion, not only to this colony and Pennsylvania, 



408 [Senate 

but to all the new colonies that his majesty may hereafter think 
proper to establish to the westward as far as the South seas. " 

" That if the province of the Massachusetts Bay will not recede 
from their last resolution, the house conceive that there is no pros- 
pect of a friendly accommodation of these differences, by any agree- 
ment between the two colonies; the house beino; of opinion, that 
even if the acceptance of the last offer of tlie Massachusetts Ba}'-, 
should be agreeable to the private patentees under this province, by 
a fartlier cession of right for the sake of peace ; yet as the crown is 
so deeply affected by these extravagant claims of the Massachusetts 
Bay, on the east side of Hudson's river, and their still more exorbi- 
tant pretensions to the westward of tliis province, no countenance 
should be given to the last resolutions of the general court, until his 
majesty shall be pleased to signify his royal pleasure on this head." 

The Revolution intervened with the question unsettled, although 
an attempt was made in 1773 to run a line between the provinces 
under an agreement made 18 May, but which failed from a 
disagreement of the surveyors. 

In 1784 the Legislature of Massachusetts presented a petition to 
Congress in which after reciting the Grant of 1620 and the Deed 
to Sir Henry Rosewell and his associates with the descriptions of 
territory contained therein they say, " in breadth of latitude afore- 
said, extending throughout all the main land, in longitude west- 
wardly to the southern ocean. And the said legislature in their 
claim herein described, do aver, that the point or place situate 3 
miles south of the bay called Massachusetts-Bay, is a point or place 
situate in 42 degrees of northern latitude, 2 minutes north ; and 
that the place, point or boundary aforesaid, of 3 miles to the north- 
ward of every part of the river Merrimac, is a place or point situ- 
ate in 44 degrees northern latitude, 15 minutes north; and that by 
the grant aforesaid, the said Sir Henry Ros well and his associates, be- 
came seized of all the lands before described and contained in the grant 
aforesaid, of the said council established at Plimouth ; and that the 
same grant was confirmed to the said Henry Ros well and his asso- 
ciates, by the said king Charles, by his letters patent, dated in the 
4th year of his reign ; and that the said sir Henry Roswell and his 
associates, \verc, immediately upon making the grant aforesaid by 
the said council, in the actual seizen and possession of all the lands 
aforesaid, and for many years held the same, under the name and 
title of the governor and company of Massachusetts-Bay, in Kew 
England. 

" And M'hereas the state of New- York have set up a claim to 
some part of the land befor^mentioned, and it being highly neces- 
sary to have the same claims brought to an immediate decision, 
they do therefore, in behalf of .the said commonwealth, most sol- 
emnly request the United States of America in Congress assembled, 



No. 71.] 409 

that Commissioners may be appointed for enquiring into and de- 
termining upon the claim aforesaid of the said legislature, and that 
such other proceedings respecting the premises may be had, as are 
by the federal government of the said United States in such cases 
made and provided." 

New York had in 1780 ceded the western portion of her claim to 
the United States, but as yet Massacliusetts had taken no action. 
She wished first to assert before Congress her prior claiai to the ter- 
ritor3^ 

On the third day of June, 1784, Congress "Kesolved, That the 
first Monda}' in December next, be assigned for the appearance of 
the said states of Massachusetts and New York, by their lawful 
agents, at the place in which Congress shall then be sitting," and 
the two states were notified to appear. 

Charles De Witt, a Delegate from New York, in a letter 1o Gov. 
Clinton, 4 June, says: — "I hope the Legislature have taken every 

precaution respecting the W Territory. I believe Sir a Plan is 

formed and perhaps wrought into System to take that Country from 
us. Massachusetts Delegates have put in a petition yesterday from 
the Legislature of that State setting forth that New York is pos- 
sessed of a part of their Land and requested a Court agreeably to 
the Confederation for a Decision <fec, &c. I shall bring with me a 
Copy thereof, but my fears are not so great from this quarter than 
from a quarter which I do not know how to name. I shall postpone 
it to~ a future Day. The whole world seem to look on that W — 
Country with a wishful eye, and I fear they will go farther to ob- 
tain it, than is consistent with the peace of the Union. I hope, 
however, that New York vvill collect all its wisdom and take such 
decided and spirited steps as may counteract every unlawful attempt 
in the Sate, which if they do not it is lost." 

Governor Clinton, 18 October, in a message to the Legislature 
called their attention to this action of Congi'css : — ''' Since the close of 
the last session, the Legislature of the State of Massachusetts have 
thought fit to set up a claim to lands which, it is to be inferred, from 
their Petition to the Honorable the United States in Congress, lie 
some where within the anticnt jurisdiction of this State, but in 
what 25art, to what extent is left in obscurity. They have, not- 
withstanding, requested, that a Federal Court may be appointed for 
enquiring into and determining such claim ; and Congress have ac- 
cordingly assigned the first Monday in December next, for the ap- 
pearance of both States, and such other proceedings as are directed 
by the Articles of Confederation and Per])etual Union. From the 
Act of Congress of the 3d day of June last on this subject, and the 
papers accompanying it, you will perceive the necessity of appoint- 
ing Agents to manage the controversy on the part of this State ; 
and of calling for an explicit description of the lands claimed by 
the Massachusetts, without which we must be exposed, in our de- 
fence, to unnecessary difficulties and expence," and on 12th Novem- 

[Sen. Doc. No.' 71.J 52 



410 [Senate 

ber following the Legislature passed an " Act to appoint Agents or 
Commissioners for vindicating the Right and Jurisdiction of this 
State, against the claims of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," 
in which James Duane, John Jay, Robert R. Livingston, Egbert 
Benson and Walter Livingston were declared to be the agents of 
Kew York State and were directed to attend tlie prescribed court, 
" when lawfully constituted, and there to represent tliis State, and to 
manage, vindicate and defend tlie Rights and Jurisdiction thereof 
against the claim of the said Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by 
ail lawful Ways and Means, with full Power and Authority to em- 
ploy such Counsel learned in the Law, and such Solicitors as they 
shall think necessary, to enable them more effectually to discharge 
the Trust reposed in them by this Act." 

And the act further provided that it should not be construed to 
affect in any wise the agreement to run the line between the States 
made 18 May, 1773. The New York Legislature had, the day be- 
fore the passage of the act above memtioned, passed an act, appoint- 
ing a new commission to join with Massachusetts in running the line 
between the States on the basis of the agreement of 1773. 

John Lowell and James Sullivan with the delegates, for the time 
being, to Congress from that State, w^ere ap})ointed Agents to repre- 
sent Massachusetts in the trial of the claim. 

The Agents of the two States appeared befor Congress in due 
form and on 10 December 1784, that body "■ Besolved, That the 
agents for the States of Massachusetts and New York be, and they 
are hereby directed to appoint, by joint consent, commissioners or 
judges to constitute a court for hearing and determining the matter 
in question, agreeable to the 9th of the articles of Confederation 
and perpetual Union." 

The Agents found so much difficulty in obtaining judges to con- 
stitute the court provided in the Resolution of Congress that in 1786, 
28 April the Legislature of New York passed a Supplementary Act, 
appointing John Haring, Melancton Smith, Robert Yates, and John 
Lansing, Jr., agents in place of John Jay and Walter Livingston 
who could not attend to the duties, and providing '' That it shall and 
may be lawful for the said James Duane, [and others], or any five 
or more of them, to settle the said Controversy between this State 
and the Commonwealth of the Massachusetts, otherwise than by the 
said Federal Court, as mentioned in the said Act, in such Manner as 
they shall judge most conducive to the Interest of this State." 

'Hius as in the question of the cession of the western lands, New 
York took the initiative toward an amicable settlement of this con- 
troversy. 

The Legislature of Massachusetts responded 5 July 1786, thus : — 

" Whereas it appears that the Legislature of New-York, have by 
their act empowered the Commissioners by them appointed for vin- 
dicating the ri^ht and jurisdiction of the State of New Y^ork, against 
the claim of tliis Commonwealth, to settle the controversy, otherwise 
than by the Federal Court : 



}io. 71.] 411 

I. Be it enacted hy the Senate and House of Representatives^ in 
General Court asseinbied, and by the authority of the same. That 
the Agents or Commissioners appointed by this Government to de- 
feud the territory of tliis Commonwealth on the west side of Hud- 
son's river against the claim of tlie State of New York, or the 
major part of the said Agents or Commissioners, be, and they are 
hereby fnlly authorized and empowered to agree with tlie Agents or 
Commissioners of the State of JSfew York, and settle the contro- 
versy respecting the territory aforesaid, by a Federal Court, as 
appointed by virtue of the confederation, or otherwise, in such way 
and manner as they shall judge will comport with justice, and the 
interest of this Connnonwealth." 

Meanwhile at the formal request of the Legislatures of the two 
States, Congress appointed John Ewing, David Rittenhouse, and 
Thomas Hutchins, Commissioners to settle and run the Jurisdiction 
line East of the Hudson, 

And finally without a resort to a court, by mutual agreement 
among the Agents of the two States, this long and acrimonious dis- 
pute was happily ended, and 16 December, 1786 at Hartford, Con- 
necticut, four Commissioners fromMassachusetts and six from New 
York signed in duplicate, an " Agreement entered into by the 
Commissioners appointed to settle the Controversy between the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of ISTew-York, 
respecting Lands ].ying westward of Hudson's Iliver," in which they 
mutually agreed for and in behalf of the two states " to the mutual 
cessions, grants, releases and other provisions following, that is to 
say : 

First. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts doth herebv cede, 
grant, release and confirm to the State of JSfeio York forever, all the 
claim, right and title which the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
hath to the government, sovereignty, and jurisdiction of the lands 
and territories so claimed by the State of New York as herein be- 
fore stated and ]3artieularly specified. 

"''Secondly. The State of New-York dpth hereby cede, grant, 
release and confirm to the Connnonwealth of Massachusetts, and to 
the use of the Commonwealth, their grantees, and the heirs or as- 
signs of such grantees forever, the right of pre-emption of the soil 
from the native Indians, and all other the estate, right, title and 
property, (the right and title of government, sovereignty and juris- 
diction excepted) which the State of New York, hath of, in or to 
two hundred and thirty thousand and four hundred acres, to be lo- 
cated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and to be situate to 
the northward of, and adjoining to the lands granted respectively to 
Daniel Cox and Robert Lettice Hooper, and their respective asso- 
ciates, and between the rivers Owcga and Chenengo. And also, of, 
in or to all the lands and territories within the following limits and 
bounds, that is to say : Beginning in the north boundary line of the 
State of Pennsylvania, in the parrallel of forty-two degrees of 



412 [Senate 

north latitude, at a point distant eighty-two miles west from the 
nortli-east corner of the State of Pennsylvania, on Delaware- River ^ 
as the said boundarj-line liath been run and marked by the Com- 
sioners appointed by the States of Pennsylvania and New- York re- 
spectively, and from the said point or place of beginning, running 
on a due meridian north to the boundary line between the United 
States of America, and the King of Great-Britain y thence west- 
erly and southerly along the said bonndary line to a meridian which 
will pass one mile due east from the northern termination of the 
Streight, or waters between Lalie- Ontario and Lake-Erie j thence 
south along the said meridian to tliQ south shore of Lake Ontario j 
thence on the eastern side of the said Streight, by a line always 
one mile distant from the parrallel to the said Streight, to Lake- 
Erie j thence due west to the boundary line between the United 
States and the King of Great Britain' thence along the said 
boundary line, until it meets with the line of cession from the State 
of Neio-York to the United States ; thence along the said line of 
cession, to the northwest corner of the State of Pennsylvaiiia ''^ and 
thence east along the northern boundary line of the State of Penn- 
sylvania to the said place of beginning : And which said lands and 
teri'itories so ceded, granted, released and confirmed, are parcel of 
the lands and territories described m the said petition. 

" Thirdly. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts doth hereby 
cede, grant, release and confirm to the State of New-York and to 
the use of the State of New-York, their gi'antees, and the heirs and 
assigns of such grantees forever, the right of pre-emption of the soil 
from the native Indians, and all other the estate, nght, title and 
property, which the Commonwealth of Massachusetts hath of, in or 
to the residue of the lands and territories so claimed by the State of 
New-York, as herein before stated, and particularly specified. 

'"''Fourthly. That the lands so ceded, granted, released and con- 
firmed to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or such part thereof 
as shall from time to time be and remain the property of the Com- 
monwealth of Massachusetts, shall during the time that the same 
shall so be and remain such property, be free and exempt from all 
taxes whatsoever, and that no general or State tax shall be charged 
on, or collected from the lands hereafter to be granted by the Com- 
monwealth of Massachusetts, or on the occupants or proprietors of 
such lands, until fifteen years after such confirmation, as is herein- 
after mentioned, of such grants, shall have expired ; but that the 
lands so to be granted, and the occupants thereof, shall during the 
said period, be subject to town or county charges or taxes only : 
Provided, That this exemption from general or State taxes, shall 
not be construed to extend to such duties, excises, or imposts, to 
which the other inhabitants of the State of New- York, shall be sub- 
ject and hable, 

" Fifthly. That no rents or services shall be reserved in any 
grants to be made of the said lands by the Commonwealth of Mas- 
sachusetts. 

* This was four years before the line of cession was ruu. 



No. 71.] 413 

" Sixthly. That the inhabitants on the said lands and territories, 
being citizens of any of the United States, holding by grants from 
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts^ shall be entitled to equal 
rights with the other citizens of the State of New-York ^ and fur- 
ther that the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shall 
from time to time, and at all times hereafter, have and enjoy the 
same and equal rights, respecting the navigation and fishery, on and 
in Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, and the waters communicating 
from one to tlie other of the said lakes, and respecting the roads and 
portages between the said lakes, as shall from time to time be had. 
and enjoyed by the citizens of the State of New-York ; and the 
citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall not be subject 
to any other regulations, or greater tolls or duties to be made or im- 
posed from time to time by the State of Neio- York, respecting the 
premises, than the citizens of the State of New- York shall be sub- 
ject to. 

Seventhly. That no adverse possession of the said lands for any 
length of time, shall be adjudged a disseizen of the Common- 
wealth of Massachusetts. 

Eighthly. That the State of NeiO' York, so long as any part of 
the said lands shall be, and remain the property of the Common- 
wealth of Massachusetts, shall not cede, relinquish, or in any man- 
ner divest themselves of the government and jurisdiction of the said 
lands or any part thereof, without the consent of the Commonwealth 
of Massachusetts. 

" Ninthly. That the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, may from 
time to time, by persons to be by them authorized for the purpose, 
hold treaties and conferences with the native Indians, relative to the 
property or right of soil of the said lands and territories hereby 
ceded, granted, released and confirmed to the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts, and M'ith such armed force as they shall deem neces- 
sary for the more effectual holding such treaty or conference ; and 
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, M-ithin six months after such 
treaties shall respectively be made, shall cause copies thereof to be 
deposited in the office of the Secretary of State of Neio York. 

" Tenthly. The Commonwealth of Massachxisetts, may grant the 
right of pre-emption of the whole or of any part of the said lands and 
territories to any person or persons, who by virtue of such grant, 
shall have good right to extinguish by purchase, the claims of tiie 
native Indians. Provided, however, that no purchase from the na- 
tive Indians by any such grantee or grantees, shall be valid, unless 
the same shall be made in the presence of, and approved by a super- 
intendent to be appointed for such purpose by the Commonwealth 
of Massachusetts, and having no interest in such purchase ; and 
unless such purchase shall be confirmed by the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts. 

*' Eleventhly. That the grantees of the said lands and territories 
under the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shall within six months 



414 [Senate 

after the confirmation of their respective grants, cause such grants 
or the confirmation tliereof, or copies of such grants or confirmations 
certified or exaraplified under the seal of tlie Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts^ to be deposited in the said office of the Secretary of 
State of New-York^ to the end that the same may be recorded there, 
and after the same shall have been so recorded, the grantees sliall be 
entitled to receive again from the said Secretary their respective 
grants or confirmations, or the copies thereof, wliicli soever may 
have been so deposited, without any charge or fees of office whatso- 
ever, and every gruit or confirmation which shall not, or of wliich 
shall not be so deposited, shall be adjudged void." 

Governor Clinton announced the settlement of the controversy to 
the Legislature of New-York, 13 January, 17ST, as follows : " I 
have the pleasure to inform 3'on, that the Law 23assed at the last 
Session of the Legislature, vesting Commissioners with discretion- 
ary power, to determine the controversy betAveen this State and the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts otherwise than by a Foederal Court, 
hath been carried into full effect; all interfering claims both with 
respect to territoiy and jurisdiction being finally adjusted. — The 
mutual agreement and act of cession executed with the usual sol- 
emnities by the Commissioners of both States, is now laid before you ; 
and I have the fullest confidence that the conduct of your Commis- 
sioners in a mission equally difficult and important, will meet with 
your entire approbation ; and that adequate provision will be made 
for the services and expences which have arisen in laborious prepara- 
tions for the trial, as well as in the final extinguishment of the con- 
test." 

In order to quiet the apprehensions of the Lidians who inhabited 
the ceded territory, the Legislature of New York in 1T8T, February 
20, passed the following : 

''•Resolved, That in order to prevent any uneasiness which may 
arise in the minds of the Six Nations, from misrepresentations of the 
terms of tlio mutual agreement and act of cession lately executed 
between the Commissioners on the part of this State, and on the part 
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, relative to the land within 
this State, now held and occupied by the said Indians, it is necessary 
that the said agreement and act of cession be communicated and ex- 
plained to them, as soon as may be. 

" Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor, make such com- 
munication and explanation in person, if necessary, or by such other 
person or persons as he shall appoint for the purpose ; and that he 
transmit a copy of these resolutions to the Executive of the Com- 
monwealth of Massachusetts, and express as the wish of this Legis- 
lature that a similar communication should also be made on the part 
of the said Commonwealth, at such time and ])lace, as shall be agreed 
on between their Excellencies the Governor of this State, and the 
Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts." 



No. 71 j 415 

In the statements of account current of the State of New York 
with Gerard Bancker, Treasurer, we find the following entries: — 

£ s. d. 

1785. To cash, paid the Commissioners for managing the Massa- 

chusetts controversy, respecting the Western territory. 880 10 6 

1786. To ditto, paid [as above] .. 772 10 8 

1789. Paid Commissioners [as above] 1357 16 10 

The Western boundary of the territory relinquished by New York 
was fixed upon the Eastern line of the territory ceded by New York 
to the United States by the act of her delegates in Congress 1 March, 
17S1 in pursuance of '' An Act to facilitate the Completion of the 
Articles of Confederation, and perpetual Union among the United 
States of America," passed 19 February, 17S0. This action of the 
Delegates from New York was concnrred in by Massachusetts, when 
the delegates in Congress from that State, authorized by an act of 
the Legislature passed 13 Nov., 1784, to cede or relinquish " by au- 
thentick conveyance or conveyances, to the United States, to be dis- 
posed of for the common bene^t of the same, agreeably to a Resolve 
of Congress of Octohe?' the tenth, one thousand seven hundred and 
eighty, such part of that tract of land belonging to this Connnon- 
wealth, which lies between the livers Hudson and Jlississijjjn, as 
they may think proper; and to make the said cession in such man- 
ner and on such conditions as shall appear to them to be most suit- 
able," upon 19 April, 1785, signed a Deed of Cession to the United 
States of all lands so claimed west of the line as fixed in the Act or 
Deed of the New York Delegates. 

The location of this line upon the ground was unknown at the time 
the mutual agreement was signed, as it was not run until 1790. The 
Parallel Boundary even, west of Milestone 90, had not been run at 
the time of the signing. 

The vast domain included in that portion of the lands released by 
New York Avest of the Meridian of Milestone 82. covering some of 
the most fertile lands of the State, reaching about 145 miles along 
the Parallel Boundary, was in April, 17^8, contracted by Massachu- 
setts to Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham, acting for a syndicate, 
for one million dollars. By a treaty with the Six Nations in July, 
1788, the Indian title to the portion of the tract east of the Meridian 
of the Forks of the Genesee was extinguished, and on the 21 Novem- 
ber in that year, Massachusetts formally deeded to Phelps and Gor- 
liam this portion of the tract, which has since been known as the 
'• Phelps and Gorham Purchase." 

Mr. Phelps took the active management of the Estate, established 
a land office and commenced the surveys, dividing it into Ranges 
and Townships somewhat after the present United States system. 
After some sales were made, Phelps and Gorham conveyed the 
remainder of the Tract, IS Nov., 1790, to Robert Morris, by whom 
the surveys were mainly completed, under the supervision of Major 
Adam Hoops*, and many sales were made. Morris conveyed the 

* See page llo. 



416 [Senate 

residue of the Tract adjoining tlie Boundary, to Charles Williamson, 
11 April, 1792, and he in turn transferred it 31 March, 1801, to 
Sir William Pulteney of England, for whom he was acting as agent. 
These lands have since been known as the " Pulteney Estate." 

The East line of this territory was not run until after Massachu- 
setts had conveyed it. Certain parties who had purchased from the 
State of New York a location including the site of the present vil- 
lage of Geneva, proposed to Phelps and Gorhani to join in a survey 
of the line. It was run, and passed entirely west of Seneca Lake, 
and under such circumstances that Phelps and Gorham suspected a 
fraudulent error in favor of the other parties. A re-survey was not 
undertaken until the tract was purchased by Pobert Morris, in whose 
deed the land east of the line was specified as a "' Gore." At the 
request of Major Hoops, Andrew Ellicott undertook the re-survey 
of the line, and a true Meridian was run under his direction, by his 
youngest brother Benjamin, assisted by Augustus Porter. The sur- 
vey was made in 179-i. A transit was used, and this was probably 
the first transit line (except the meridian boundary) ever run in the 
State of New York. A wide vista was cut tlu-ough the woods ; 
across Seneca Lake, through which the line passes for ten miles, the 
line is said to have been run with night signals. The old line was 
foun<l to diverge very rapidly to the w'est for half the distance 
across the state and then followed about parallel with the other. The 
lines are about 2^ miles apart at Geneva. The Legislature of New 
York, when the old line was found to be fraudulent, directed Sur- 
veyor General DeWitt to re-run it, as the interference affected the 
title to two tiers of Lots in the Mihtary Tract. Mr. DeWitt found 
that there were only two transits in the country, one owned by An- 
drew Ellicott, the other by Dr. Rittenhouse, neither of which was 
available at the time. He therefore satisfied himself by an examina- 
tion of Benj. Ellicott's Notes and iriethods,* that the new survey was 
accurately made. Upon his certificate the Legislature confirmed the 
Ellicott line, or "New Pre-emption Line" as it was afterward called, 
and its accuracy lias never since been disputed. 

After Phelps and Gorham had paid about one-third of the pur- 
chase price, they were unable further to comply with their agree- 
ments with Massachusetts, and suit was commenced on their bonds. 
After a protracted negotiation the matter was settled by mutual 
agreement 10 March, 1791, by which Phelps and Gorham relin- 
quished to Massachusetts the portion of the land not covered by their 
Deed. 

Upon 11 May in the same year, Massachusetts conveyed to Robert 
Morris, in pursuance of an agreement previously entered into with 
Samuel Ogden, all the lands ceded by New York, west of the lands 
already deeded to Phelps and Gorham. The conveyance Avas made 
in five separate Deeds. The first Deed covered the land lying East 

*For interesting papers relating to this subject see pages 187-190, Field Book 
No. 35, in office of Secretary of State, Albany. 



Ko. 71.] 417 

of a meridian drawn nortli from the Pennsylvania line, 12 miles 
west from the southwest corner of Phelps and Gorham's land. 

The lands included in the otlier four deeds, Morris deeded in four 
conveyances, at various dates in 17^2-3, to Herman Le Roy and 
others,* who held tiie lands in trust fur certain Holland gcnrlemen 
who, l>ein<ij aliens, cuuld not, under the laws ot" the State at the time, 
liold the title in their own names. Several changes in the trustees 
were afterward made, and after transfers of a portion of the land, 
under Legislative sanction, ihe Tract was conveyed in four separate 
deeds to the individuals composing the Hulland Land Company. 
The fourth of the last series of Deeds was dated 31 Januarv, 1799, 
and conveyed to Wilhem Willink, Wilhem Willink, Jr., Jan Willink, 
and Jan Willink, Jr., 2i)0,000 acre?, extending along the Boundary 
16 miles from the southeast corner of the Tract, including the south 
end of the first three ranges ; and also 100,000 acres in a narrow 
strip, since known as the ''Willink Strip," off the east side of all 
the towships in Kange 7. The other three Deeds dated 31 January, 
1798, conveyed in the aggregate 300,000 acres, to the members in- 
dividually, of the Holland Land Company proper, Mdio were Wilhem 
Willink, Nicolaas van Staphorst, Pieter van Eeghen, Hendrick 
Vollenhoven, and Rutger Jan Schimmelpenninck.f 

Theophile Cazenove was the first General Agent. UjDon his 
return to Europe in 1709, Paul Busti took his place, and acted as 
General Agent until his death twenty-five j^ears afterward. 

The Surveys of the Tract were placed under the general super- 
vision of Joseph Ellicott, a brotlier of Andrew. Under his direction 
the entire tract was in 1798 and 1 799 laid out into Ranges and Town- 
ships, which were afterward subdivided into Sections. 

Robert Morris retained the strip of 12 miles covered by his first 
deed from Massachusetts, and from this circumstance it has always 
been known as the " Morris Reserve." It was divided into two 
Ranges, with Townships, in the same manner as the Holland Com- 
panj^'s Lands, but he sold it out in large tracts regardless of the 
Township lines. 

[Note. — For a detailed account of the settlement of the "Massachusetts Pre- 
emption see Turner's "History of the Phelps and Gorham'a Purchase," and '* His- 
tory of the Holland Purchase,"] 

TI. 

The Connecticut Claim. 

The contest between Massachusetts and ]^ew York was entirely 
based on a technical paper title. Massachusetts had never attempted 
to take actual ))ossession of any of the lands she claimed west of the 

* Herman Le Roy's name occurs in all the Deeds. One deed was to two grantees, 
and in each of the other deeds, the number of grantees was three. 

f The original deeds of all those transfers, and the original Field Notes of the 
Township surveys, are deposited in otfice of the Secretary of State at Albany. 
(See Appendix H.) 

[Sen. Doc. No. 7 L] 53 



418 [Senate 

premises occupied by New York, by actual settlement or by convey- 
ance of the fee to other parties, until after an ainicable adjustment 
and settlement of her claim. 

With Connecticut it was different. So far as her controversy 
with Pennsylvania, her settlers were actually in possession under 
valid titles, and the final settlement was reached through blood-shed 
and fierce litigation. 

Ex-Governor Hoyt of Pennsylvania has given us in his " Syllabus 
of the Controversy between Connecticut and Pennsylvania," pub- 
lished by the Historical Society of Peimsylvania, a complete and 
exhaustive discussion of the entire case, the details of which can 
be but briefly alluded to. 

Upon 19 March, 1631, the Council at Plymouth by its President, 
the Eirl of Warwick, under the grant of 3 November, 1G2", here- 
tofore quoted, conveys 1 to Lord Say and Seal and others, hy Deed, 
" AH that part of New England in America, which lies and extends 
itself from a river there called Narragansett River, the space of 
forty leagues upon a straight line near the shore, towards the south- 
west, west, and by south or west, as the coast lieth, towards 
Virginii, accountiuir three Enghsh miles to the league', and also 
all and singular the lands and hereditaments whatsoever lying 
and l)eing within the lands aforesaid, north and south, in latitude 
and breadth, and in length and longitude of and within all the 
breadth aforesaid, throughout the main lands there, from the 
Western Ocean to the South Sea." 

The grantees took immediate measures for possepsion, and 
appointed as their agent John Winthrop, who founded the town of 
Say brook. Winthrop and a number of other English Colonists on 
the Ccmnecticut liiver, south of the limits of the Massachusetts 
Patent, organized themselves into an association by the na,me of 
"Colony of Connecticut," bought out the grant of Lord Say and 
Seal and his associates, and iu 1661, petitioned King Charles II for a 
Charter. 

In 1662, 23 iVpril, King Charles granteil to John Wimlirop and 
others the Charter, incorporating as a body politic " The Governor 
and Company of the English Colony of Connecticut, in New Eng- 
land, in America," and granting and confirming to them "all that 
part of our dominions in New-England in America, bt)unded on the 
East by the Narrogance'-t River, commonly called Narrogancett Bay, 
where the said river falleth into the sea, and on the North by the 
hue of the Massachusetts plantation, and on the South by the sea, 
and in longitude, as the line of the Massachusetts colony running 
from East to West, (that is to say) from the said Narrogancett Bay, 
on the East, to the South Sea, on the West part, with the islands 
thereunto adjoining, together Mdth all the firm lands, soils, grounds, 
havens, ports, rivers, waters, fishings, mines, minerals, precious 
stones, quarries, and all and singular commodities, jurisdictions, 
royalties, privileges, franchises, preeminences, and hereditaments 
whatsoever." 



No. 71.] 419 

This was a new and independent grant. It did not, as in the 
original grant to the Plymouth Council, except any part "actually 
possessed by any Christian Prince or State." It apparently con- 
veyed the lauds between the Massachusetts Colony on the North at 
Latitude i'Ji° 02', and a parallel drawn from a point on the coast 40 
leagues from the Narragansett, which was concluded to be in Lati- 
tude 41, extending without reserve to the Western ocean. The 
Dutch held and occupied the Hudson River Country, although 
their claim was not acknowledged as valid by the English. 

In 1664, the Dutch still in possession, Charles made his grant to 
the Duke of York, of land, which, if the previous Dutch title were 
not to be considered valid, he had already conveyed to the Colony 
of Connecticut. The Duke of York took possession, the Dutch 
yielding without resistance. In 16S2, twenty years after his grant 
to Connecticut, King Charles granted the Ciiarter to William Penn, 
which also covered, for a distance of 5 degrees of longitude, nearly 
the entire width of the territory already conveyed to Winthrop and 
his associates. 

In. 1670, an attempt at possession was made by Winthrop upon 
the Delaware by building a fort, which he afterward abandoned, not 
being able to hold it against the Indians. But for seventy years 
after the grant to Penn this wilderness was left unoccupied by both 
parties. 

Early in 1753 the following petition was presented to the General 
Assembly of Connecticut. 

*' To the Honorahle Assembly^ to he hoi den at Hartford, second 
Thursday of May nexts th,e memorial of the subscribers, inhabitant's 
of T\irmington, Windham, Canterbury, Plainfield, Voluntown, 
and in several other towns, all of Connecticut Colony, humbly 
showeth : 

'• That whereas. There is a large quantity of land \fn\g upon a 
river called Susquehanna, and also at a place called Quiwanmick, 
and that there is no English inhabitants that lives on said land, nor 
near thereunto, and the same lies about seventy miles west of 
Dielewey River, and, as we suppose, within the charter of the 
Colony of Connecticut, and that there is a number of Indians that 
liv^e on or near the place of land aforesaid, who lay claim to the 
same, and we, the subscribers, to the number of One hundred per- 
sons, who are very desirous to go and inhabit the aforesaid land, 
and at the place aforesaid, provided that we can ol)tain a quiet or 
quit-Claim of the Honorable Assembly, of a tract of land lying at 
the place aforesaid, and to contain a quantity of sixteen miles square, 
to lie on both sides Susquehanna River, and as the Indians lay claim 
to the same, we propose to purchase of them their right, so as to be 
at peace with them; whereupon we humbly pray, that the Honor- 
able Assetnbly would grant to us a quit-Claim of the aforesaid tract, 
or so much as the Honorable Assembly shall think best, upon such 
terms as your Honors shall think reasonable, and in such a way 
and manner, that in case we cannot hold and enjoy the same by 



420 [Senate 

virtue of said grant, yet notwithstanding the same not to be Imrt- 
fnl or prejudicial on any account to this Colony, and in case we can 
Hold and possess said land, then to be always under the government, 
and subject to the laws and discipline of this Colony, and provided that 
we, the said subscribers, shall within three years next coming lay the 
same out in equal proportion, and settle upon the same, as also pur- 
chase the right of the JSIatives as aforesaid, or in some other way 
grant us the land aforesaid, as your Honors shall think best, as we, 
in duty bound, shall ever pray." 

In that year also, " The Susquehanna Company " was organized 
by several hundred Connecticut people, for the purpose of establish- 
ing a new Colony within the Charter limits west of the Delaware 
Kiver. The extinguishment of the Indian title was the first pre- 
liminary in this movement, and as an attempt at this, a treaty was 
made with eighteen chiefs of the Six Nations who 11 July 1754, at 
Albany for the sum of two thouscind pounds, conveyed to the mem- 
bers of the Susquehanna Company (the number of grantees was 138S) 
a tract of land described thus: — " Beginning from the one and for- 
tieth deo;ree of North Latitude, at ten miles distance east of Susque- 
hanna river, and from tlience, with a northerly line, ten miles east 
of the river, to the forty-second or beginning of the forty-third degree 
of north latitude, and to extend west two degrees of longitude, one 
'lumdi-ed and twenty miles, and from thence south to the beginning 
of the forty-second degree, and from thence east to the aforemen- 
tioned bounds, which is ten miles east of the Susquehanna river." 

This was probably the purchase made by John Lydius, for which 
Governor Morris wished him prosecuted by the New YorkCoimcil.* 
And in May the following year, the Assembly of Connecticut upon 
the petition of the Susquehanna Company, passed an Act in which, 
after reciting that the lands were within the Charter limits, it was 
resolved, " that they are of opinion that the peaceably and orderly 
erecting and caiTying on some new and well-regulated colony or 
plantation on the lands abovementioned would greatly tend to fix 
and secure said Indian nations in allegiance to his Majesty, and ac- 
cordingly hereby manifest their ready acquiescence therein, if it 
should be his majesty's royal pleasure to grant said land to said 
petitioners, and thereon erect and settle a new colony, in such form 

as might be consistent with his Royal wisdom, 

and also take leave humbly to recommend the said petitioners to his 
Royal favors in the premises." 

This grant covered an extent of country along the present Bound- 
aiy, from near Milestone 47 nearly to milestone 167, in the Tuna 
Valley. The King did not act favorably upon the application for a 
Charter. The Delaware Company purchased the portion lying be- 
tween this and the Delaware River. 

Five days before the dateof the Indian Deed to the Susquehanna 
Compau}'-, the Penns also took a Deed from thirty chief s of the Six 
Nations, covering, however, land entirely south of the parallel of 42 

* See page 54. 



No. 71.] 421 

degrees. But three days thereafter, and two days before the date of 
the deed to the Susquehanna Company, the Penns for the sum of live 
shilHngs, obtained a stipulation from eight chiefs of the Six Nations, 
** That neither we nor any by oiirauthority shall sell, grant or con vev 
to any other than the said Proprieters any lands within the limits of 
the said Province." This was endorsed on a deed ni?.de in 1736 by 
twent}^ three chiefs which contained a similar stipulation, as follows : 
*' We do hereby promise and engage, for our children and their chil- 
dren, that neither we nor they will sell or grant to any 

person, other than to the said proprietors, the children of William 
Penn, any lands within the limits of the gov- 
ernment of Pennsylvania, as 'tis bounded northward with the gov- 
ernment of New York and Albany." 

The Penns purchased the Indian title to the lands covering t^ie 
southeastern portion of the Grant to the Susquehanna Company in 
1708; and the remainder, west of tiie Susquehanna and north of 
Towanda, was purchased by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 
1784. 

Meanwhile the Delaware and Susquehanna Companies, in 1755, 
sent out Surveyors to lay out the lands, and much of the territory 
was marked off into Townships five miles square. Five of these 
townships were in the northwest coiner, within the present limits of 
McKean County. A settlement was made upon the Delaware. The 
Pennsvlvania Proprietaries had already made surveys in this section. 
In 1768 the Susquehanna Company resolved " that five townships, 
five miles square, should be surveyed and granted, each to forty set- 
tlers, being proprietors, on condition that those settlers should re- 
main upon the ground ; man their rights ; and defend themselves, 
and each other, from the intrusion of all rival claimants." Five 
townships in the Wyoming Valley were assigned to the first settlers 
under this provision. They were a bold and hardy race, some of 
whom had seen service in the French War. A stockade called Forty 
Fort was built near Kingston. Up to this time, no Pennsylvania 
settlers had taken up any lands in this valley. Early the next year 
the Penns made a move in this direction, and the lamentable contest 
known as the," Pennamite War" commenced. It was waged with 
varying success between the Connecticut settlers and the lessees of 
the Penns; blood was shed and several lives were sacrificed. The 
Proprietaries had made no grants, simply leasing land which they 
had taken up themselves ; and having appropriated to their own use 
the best land in the valley, the sympathies of the people of the 
Province were with the actual settlers. Pennsylvania, in 1771, 
thinking from tlie persistence of the intruders, that they were sus- 
tained by the Government of Connecticut, withdrew her troops and 
left the Yankees in quiet possession. 

Governor Hamilton wrote Governor Trumbull of Connecticut, 
asking under whose authority " these violent and hostile measures " 
were prosecuted, and Trumbull answered 14 October, 1771: — " The 



422 [Senate 

persons concerned in those transactions have no order or direction 
from me, or from tlie General Assembly of the colony, for their 
proceeding upon this occasion, and I am very confident that the 
General Assembly, friends as they have ever been to peace and good 
order, will never conntenancc any violent, mnch less hostile, meas- 
ures in vindicating the rights which the Susquehanna Company sup- 
pose they have to lands in that part of the country within the limits 
of the charter of this colony." 

Governor Hoyt in commenting upon this says, " Connecticut had 
not yet asserted its title to this country. The inhabitants of 
Wyoming established a government for themselves. They laid 
out townships, formed settlements, erected fortifications, levied 
and collected taxes, passed laws for the direction of civil 
suits, and for the punishment of crimes, established a militia, 
and provided for the common defense and general welfare of the 
plantation. ' Neither the Grecian nor Koman States, in their proudest 
days of republicanism, could boast of a government more purely dem- 
ocratic than was now established at Wyoming.' " 

For two years every thing was quiet and prosperous. The settlers 
appeared to have secured a firm footing. In October, 1773, the Gen- 
eral Assembly of Connecticut, ^'' Resolved^ That this Assembly, at 
this time, will assert and, in some proper way, support their claim 
"to those lands contained within the limits and boundaries of their 
charter, which are westward of the Province of J^ew York." 

Commissioners went to Philadelphia to negotiate, but the result 
was a failure. In January, 1774, the Assembly of Connecticut 
erected " all the territory within her charter limits, from the river 
Delaware to a line fifteen miles west of the Susquehanna, into a 
town, with all the corporate power of other towns in the colony, to 
be called Westmoreland, attaching it to the County of Litchfield." 

Pennsylvania troops in December, 1775, advanced up the river to 
drive the Connecticut settlors from Wyoming ; the settlers repulsed 
them with some loss of life on botli sides. C^ongress here interfered 
and " Resolved, ...... that the 

contending parties immediately cease all hostilities and avoid any 
appearance of force, until the dispute can l>e legally settled." 

" In November, 177(>, the town of Westmoreland was erected into 
a County of Connecticut, to be called Westmoreland, and thereupon 
its civil and military organization was com])lete. 

" Three companies of troops were raised there for tlie Continental 
establishment, and were part of the Twenty-tourth regiment of the 
Connecticut line." 

" From this time a complete civil and military establishment took 
place and continued until the decree of Trenton, in December, 1782. 
That the troops raised in this tei'ritory were part of the Connecticut 
line, and as such recognized b}' Congress. Tliat the whole settlement 
stood then as a guard and protection of the frontier. Pepresenta- 
tives attended the Legislature. Courts were constituted and tried 



Ko. 71.] 423 

all causes, real and personal civil and criminal, and carried their 
judgments into effect. Executions wore extended upon land. Judges 
of Probate held cog dzaiice of testa!iient;ii*\- matters. Records were 
reguhu'ly kept. Offenders against the laws of (Connecticut were in- 
dicted, tried, convicted, and punished. All grades of officers, civil 
and military, were appointed, and exercised tlie various functions of 
their ofiices. 

" That all these incidents gave the actual settlers ' color of title ' : 
whether that title was otherwise perfect or not, they were actual set- 
tlers and improvers. That i^er contrci, the Pennsylvania claimants 
were not there as bona fide settlers and improvei's, but as a posse, or 
in military capacity. It is not believed tliat the Propi'ietaries created 
any bona fide titles to individuals here before 1771. There may 
have been holders of these titles, improvers, but if so, t1iey lived in 
a Connecticut community, and liad been governed by Connecticut 
law, under Connecticut jurisdiction,"* 

Pennsylvania M'arrant surveys covered tliose made by the Connec- 
ticut surveyors with a new series of lines. 

At the close of the Revolution, Pennsylvania brought th& question 
promptly before Congress asking it to appoint Conn^iissioners '' to 
constitute a court for hearing and determining the matter in ques- 
tion, agreeably to the ninth article of the confederation." Connec- 
ticut asked for delay, but this was overruled by Congres.s which, 28 
August, 17S2, appointed William A\' hippie, of New Ham]«hire, 
AVelcome Arnold, of Rhode Island, David Rrearly an<l William 
Churchill Houston, of New Jersey, Cyrus Griffin, Joseph Jones, 
and Thomas Nelson, of Virginia, Commissioners " to meet at 
Trenton, in the State of New Jersey, on Tuesday, the 12^'' day of 
November next, to hear and finally determine the controversy 
between the said State of Pennsylvania and State of Connecticut, 
so always as a major part ol' said x'ommissioners, who shall hear the 
cause, sluiU agree in the (retermin;ation." 

The court met and organized 1.9 November, 1782. Both states 
were represented by en)inc'nt Counisel. For forty-one days the mem- 
bers of the Court sat. Charters,! statements, and briefs were sub- 
mitted, arguments were made, auid testimony of all kinds produced, 
and 30 December, they decided, '.'We are unanimously of opinion 
that the State of Cornecticut has jio right to the lands in contro- 
versy. \ 

'• We are also unanimously of opinion that the jurisdiction and 
pre-emption of all tl.e territory lyin,g within the charter boundary of 
Pennsylvania, and i;ow claimed by Vhe State of Connecticut, do of 
right belong to the State of PennsyI'vania." 

Connecticut tacitly acquiesced in th.is decree which was conclusive 
between the States ivho were parties, but did not affect the private 
rights of property, as the record shov-vrs, and as is also set forth more 
decidedly in a letter addressed 31 ^ December, to the President of 

*Hoyt, pp. ,J4, 26, 28. 



424 [Senate 

Pennsylvania by four members of the Court, in which thej say, " In 
the coarse of executing this commission, we have found that many 
persons are, or hitely have been, settled on the lands in question. Their 
individual claims could, in no instance, come before us, not being in 
the Hne of our appointment. We beg leave to declare to your Ex- 
cellency, that we think the situation of these people well deserves 
the notice of government. The dispute has long subsisted. It may 
have produced heats and animosities among those living on or near 
the country in contest, and some imprudences may take place, and 
draw after them the most unfavorable consequences. 

"With all deference, therefore, we would suggest to your Excel- 
lency and council, whether it would not be best to adopt some rea- 
sonable measures to prevent any, the least, disorder or misunder- 
standing among them, and to continue things in the present peace- 
able posture until proper steps can be taken to decide the contro- 
versy respecting the private right of soil in the mode prescribed by 
the confederation." 

This was concurred in, afterward, by another member of the 
Court Vidio wrote, " But I can assure ,you, sir, that the Commission- 
ers were unanimously of opinion that the private right of soil 
should not be effected by the decision. The decision was not to 
reach the question of property in the soil. 

" We recommend veiy strongly, derived from legal and political 
'grounds, that the settler's should be quieted in all their claims, by an 
act of the Pennsylvania Assembly; and that the right of soil, if I 
recollect truly, as derived fro.'n Connecticut, should be held sacred. 
Such, however, I am certain, Wc^.s the opinion of the individuals who 
composed that Court." 

An attempt was made after ^^ 'S decree, for the determination 
under Congress of the private rig.^^^,*^f soil upon the application of 
Connecticut settlers. Technicalit'^^'^^'^iised delay and the adoption 
of the Constitution removed the f ? ^^*^^ion from special courts of 
Commissioners to the Courts. TP^^' ^"*^ m-s accepted the situation 
and became citizens of Pennsylvai^^^ ^ Y^*-^ould listen to no terms 
which would involve " abandonme^^'®"- ^^ou^. possessions." 

The Connecticut settlers numb' fpwnship.- gj^ thousand. They 
were included mainly in seventeei^"^^®^ ^- stretching along the 

Susquehanna in the present coi" i^^^st i^^oi ^^^erne, Lackawanna, 
Wyoming, and Bradford. Th'^® present Sf-|,gj.|y township was 
Athens, which was adjacent to tp'^*"'""® ^^ taki>j^|.g Boundary. The 
settlers petitioned the State Legi? ^^^ of oblivi-^j^p-j. ^.^^.q Jj^^-q ^^j^, 
sideration and grant a " general "^^ under aut,,j j^j^,] indemnity," 
and confirm judicial proceeding= ., , . hority of Connecti- 

cut, /point Commissio. 

The Assembly resolved to ap'"'^ March, 17s3, ^^^g a ^^ make full 
inquiries into the cases", and ^ . Dassed a stay law, 

pending the investigation. > 'cHned to take th. 

These Commissioners were in extreme Pennsyl- 



No. 71.] 425 

vania view of the case. They reported in August, 1YS3, recom- 
mending '' to the families of tiiose who had fallen in arms against 
the common enemy, reasonable compensation in land in western 
Pennsj'lvania, and to the other holders of Connecticnt titles who 
'did actually reside on the land at the time of the decree at Trenton, 
provided they delivered possession by the l^*' day of April follow- 
ing.' " 

The stay law was repealed ; troops were stationed among the set- 
tlers ; arrests and counter-arrests were made; settlers were dispos- 
sessed and their buildings and crops destroyed ; and the " Second 
Peniiamite War " was in full progress. The sympathies of the peo- 
ple were still with the oppressed settlers. 

The Council of Censors took up the case. Their duty was " to 
inquire whether the Constitution has been preserved inviolate in 
every part, and whether the legislative and executive branches of 
government have performed their duty as guardians of the people, 
or assumed to themselves, or exercised, other or greater powers than 
they are entitled to by the Constitution." 

Upon 11 September, 1T84, they solemtily denounced the vheasures 
instituted by the Executive Council against the settler^j^^and in con- 
clusion said. " In short, we lament that our Govern',^Qnt has, in this 
business, manifested little wisdom or foresight., ^'^qj. have acted as 
the guardians of the rights of the people con^^^^^j^^ed to their care. 
Impressed with the multiplied evils which ^^^ve spruno- from the 
improvident management of this business -"^^g j^qIJ it up to censure, 
to prevent, if possible, any failher ii'^^tances of bad government, 
which might involve and distract ^^^^^T' Jiew-formed nation." The 
Executive Council still kept on. T'^j^^ militia were ordered out but 
refused to march. A posse went .J^ ^^ dispossess those who had re- 
occupied their farms. Upon \r^ September, 1784 the Assembly 
passed an "Act for the moiy^ spe,3dy restoring the possession of 
certain messuages, lands, and * tenements in Nortlmmberland county, 
to the persons who lately he^ ^-^ ^j^^ g^_ ^^^ „ T^l^e troops or " posses " 
were recalled and " thus er^^^^^ ^j^^ jf^^^ expedition fitted out by the 
government ot Pennsylva .^^^3^ ^^ op(3rate against her own peaceful 
citizens. ' 

In 17S5, the Susqueharl 
Pennsylvania was 
pany was pushing 
when Ethan Allen, f i"esUf 'f ^q^^^^' Ygji,'^ '^^^^g victory in her contest 
with New York, was bn j^^ y the ^^ Company into the scheme, 
which was to erect the ( :!onnecticut clai m into a separate state. And 
now the contest seemed ^^ ^^ betweei^ the settlers, who had had 
enough of trouble, and ^^^^ u^-^i^i Yail kees," as the revolutionists 
were called. e 

A petition was sent h ^|^g ^^^^^^^^ ^^^.^e Legislature praying that 
the seventeen lownship 4 Iq^^^q^ by the V Connecticut settlers before 
the decree ot Trenton, ^^^gj^^. ^g contirmHed to them and 27 March, 




426 [Senate 

17S7, an " Act for ascertaining- and confirming to certain persons, 
called Connecticut Claimants, the lands by tlieui claimed within the 
County of Luzerne, and for other purposes therein mentioned," was 
passed. 

After a preamble setting forth the case, it enacted, " That all the 
said rights or lots now lying within the county of Luzerne which were 
(jccui)ied or acquired by Connecticut claimants who were actually 
settlers there, at or before the termination of the claims of tlie State 
oF C<jimecticut by the decree aforesaid " [the decrej of Trenton] 
" and which rights or lots were particularly assigned to the said set- 
tlers prior to the said decree, agreeably to the regulations then in 
force among them, be and they are hereby confirmed to them and 
their heirs and assigns," and provided the manner in which Penn- 
sylvania claimants to the same lands might be compensated. 

In a General Assembly of the settlers after fierce discussion the 
" Confirming Law " was accepted. The acceptance killed the project 
for a new state. Trouble still continued. The new law proved a 
failure in execution. The law was repealed and although the re- 
pealing" law put the Pennsylvania claimants in possession it prac- 
tically recognized the rights of the Connecticut settlers. 

In' 1799, -x April, an " Act for ofiering compensation to the Penn- 
sylvania claimaiits of certain lands within the seventeen townships,* 
ii'i the county of Li?zerne, and forother purposes therein mentioned," 
was passed which dei'is^i^'^ted commissioners to proceed with the in- 
vestigation of the matt.?i'j provided for the Pennsylvania claimants 
within the seventeen tow''i"'Ships who were to release their lands to 
the Commonwealth, and foV perfecting the title of the Connecticut 
settlers under the laM^s of Peni'^sy^^''^"^^- The claimants refused or 
neglected to execute the releasee" "nder the act; the settlers at first, 
with previous failures to obtaii^ redress by law fresh in their minds, 
were not inclined to accept thi*^ J'^^'- The act of 6 April, 1802 rem- 
edied this and provided for a ..i"^T ^^ award compensation to the 
Pennsylvania claimants who f-"led to .release ; and the act of 4 April 
authenticated the " WestmorJ'^^^"^! Kecords." In 1808 the powers 
of the Commissioners were ^^ispended. and the case between the 
State of Pennsylvania and the Connecticut settlers of the Seventeen 
toMaiships came to an end. ' , '■> 

Outside theeeventeen towirS^"'ps? ^^^e cnse was different. An In- 
trusion Act was passed 11 Mf^^'^*'^' 1^^'^' ^^nd another 16 Feb., 1801; 
and 6 April, 1802, an act w^'^^ passed " t<9 maintain the territorial 
rights of this State, and protfe^'^ ^'^e propertjy of per.-ons holding lands 

*Although the number of cerf'"?^ Townships is g-eneially given aa 17, an 
eigliteeuth, Athens, was apparent"^ included in the: confirmation to the settlers. 
*Tliis Township was laid out fiv *^ miles square, Vlay 7, 1786, by John Jenkins. 
" Beginning at stake marked, sta'-"^'°^ °" ^^^ norMi line of the Susq" Purchase 
one mile west of Tioga Branch. Thence East on s. aid line crossing both Branches 
of the Susquehanna 5 miles to a' ^''^'^ ^^^^ marked,' ' etc. The north line on the 
Map is marked " Adjoining ihej ^J^te Line." Th.'s was undoubtedly Maclay's 
"temporary liaie," aliout half a'^™'^'' ^''^^^^ °^ the Si*:ate Line as officially located 
Boon after. ' (Seepage 75.) 



No. 71.] 427 

under the same." The act excepted the lands of claimants who 
had taken advantage of the Cotiiproinise Act of 1709. In a litigated 
case, the court expressed it, '' the manifest ohjeet of this act appears 
to have been to continue the kindness which had been extended 
to the seventeen townships, but to cut up by tiie roots the title of 
Connecticut in all other parts." 

In the general discussion among the states near the close of tiie 
Revolution as to the disposition of the unlimited tracts of lands 
covered by the Royal Charters, New York had early ceded her right 
to all such hind west of the present Meridian Boundary of JNew 
York. The Connecticut Legislature, with the Pennsylvania contest 
still upon her hands, upon 12 OctobL-r, 17S0, prior to the decree of 
Trenton, passed an Act of Ces>ion authorizing their delegates in 
Congress to convey to the United States, "their Right or preemp- 
tion of Soil in or to so much of the vacant and unappropriated Lands 
Claimed by this State contained and comprehended within the ex- 
tent and Limits of their Charter and Grant from King Charles the 
second, and which lies and extends within the Limits of the same 
Westward of tlie Susqnehannah Purchase so called and Eastward of 
the River Misisipi, as shall be in just pro[)ortion of what shall be 
Ceded and relinquished by other States." 

This offer of Connecticut was so conditional t'.iat Congress, in- 
fluenced in a measure by the opposition of Vlie delegates from 
Pennsylvania refused to accept it, and ui^on 29 April, 1784, presented 
the subject again to the states, which stilt held claims to we.-tern 
territory. Connecticut in 1786 passed a ?;.iew act of cession in pur- 
suanre of which her delegates executed IJ, Septeml)er in that year 
a deed granting to the United States/.' all the right, title, interest, 
jurisdiction, and claim to certain i-vestern lands, beginning at the 
completion of the forty-first degr-ee (f north latitude, one hundred 
and twenty miles west of the wf,jstern boundary line of the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, as no' .v claiued by tlie said Commonwealth 
and from thence by a line dr^Awn north parallel to, and one iiundred 
and twenty miles west of >'iaid west line of Pennsylvania, and to 
cojitinue north until it coinjes to fort^.two degrees aiid two minutes 
of north latitude," which was accepted by Congress, 14 Sept., 1786 
"to be recorded and enrolled among the acts of the United States 
in Congress assembled." -This seemed to be a virtual recognition of 
the validity of the Conne-cticut Chart^er by the United Stales. 

That General Washington did not lc)ok "favorably upon tliis com- 
promise with Connecticu:t is evinced by the following extract from 
a letter to a member of Congress, 26 Jfuly, 1786 :— " 

'•For want, I suppose, of a competen,t knowledge of tiie Connecti- 
cut claim to western ternitory, the comjpromise which is made with 
her appears to me to be 'a disadvantag.,eous one for the Union, and, 
if her right is not one - of the motive:^* (according to your account) 
for yielding to it, in my humble opinioW, is exceedingly dangerous 
and bad." ^- 



428 [Senate 

The settlers upon the "Western Reserve," as the tract of 120 
miles retained by Connecticut was called, found that the jurisdiction 
of Connecticut could not be extended over them without great 
inconvenience, and that they could not submit to the territorial 
government established in the North Western Territory, without 
endangering tlieir titles, applied to the Legislature of Connecticut 
to cede the jurisdiction of the Reserve to the United States, and the 
Legislature of that state in October, 1797, passed an '"Act autiioiiz- 
ing the Senators of the said State in Congress to execute a deed of 
release in behalf of said State to the United States of the jurisdic- 
tion of said territory." 

By an act passed 28 Apiil, 1800 accepting the Deed of Cession 
and directing the President to execute letters patent to confirm the 
title of the soil to the settlers, ^''Provided however, Tliat such let- 
ters patent shall not be executed and delivered, unless the State of 
Connecticut shall within eight months from passing this act, by a 
legislative act, renounce forever, tor the use and benefit of the 
United States, and of the several individual states who may be 
thereiil concerned respectively, and of all those deriving claims or 
titles froin them or any of them, all territorial and jurisdictional 
claims whati^ver, under any grant, charter or charters whatever, to 
the soil and juVisdiction of any and all lands whatever lying west 
ward, northwestward, and southwestward of those counties in the 
state of Connecticut', which are bounded westwardly by the eastern 
line of the state of isie^r Vork, as ascertained by agreement between 
Connecticut and ISTew Yo.'']^»i'i the year one thousand seven hundred 
and thirty-three, exceptino-'only from such renunciation the claim of 
the said State of ConnectTcut; and of those claiming from or under 
the said State, to the soil of sai'-d tract of land herein described un- 
der the name of the Western Ttle^erve of Connecticut."* 

" In accoi-dance with the fcn-egoJng act of Congress, the General 
Assembly of the State of Connecticut, on the second Thursday of 
May, 1800, passed ' An Act renoun.'^ing the claims of this State 
to certain lands therein mention.ed ' and the several cessions of Western 
Lands, hiitiated by New York- in 17b0, were, after a lapse of twenty 
years made complete." 

By the passage of this act Connecticut' formally renounced all her 
claims outside of her present Boundaries. 

Governor Hoyt concludes his discussio n of this controversy thus, 
" All the foregoing discussio^J converges u'lpon two pi-opositions, each 
somewhat paradoxical : ' 

" 1. In the forum of Law,' Connecticut, with a title regular on its 
face, failed justly. 

" 2. In the forum of Equ.ity, ' the Con^necticut settlers,' without 
other title than the ' possessrM^pedis,'' prev'ailed rightly." 

*U. S. Statutes at Large, ii, 56, 57. 



No. 71.] 429- 



III. 

The Connecticut Gore. 

Very few of the dwellers aloni^ the Parallel Boundary, in the State 
of New York, are aware that the title to a narrow strip along that 
Line was involved in the controversy between Connecticut and 
Pennsylvania, and that Connecticut, after having abandoned the con- 
test with Pennsylvania, undertook to renew it with New York. 

The south line of the territory conveyed by the charter of Massa- 
chusetts was found to l)e along the parallel of latitude 40° 02', 2-j3^ 
miles north of the forty-second parallel, the north line of Pennsyl- 
vania. By the Charter of Connecticut granted 1662, the territory 
conveyed was hounded " on the north by the line of the Massachu- 
setts Colony running from East to West (that is to say) from the said 
Narrogansett Bay on the East, to the South Sea, on the West part." 

Connecticut confined herself in her contest for the actual posses- 
sion of the lands covered by her Charter, west of the Province of 
New York, to that portion of them which were contained within the 
limits of the territory granted to William Penn. The Indian Deed 
to the Susquehanna Company conveyed " to the forty-second or be- 
ginning of the forty-third degree ot North Latitude." Connecticut 
iiad her hands full with a contest with New York over the Line east 
of the Hudson, and evidently did not care to complicate it by setting 
up claims for lands which might possibly be claimed by New York 
in the other direction. 

The controversy went on in Pennsjd^ania, and was ended, so far 
as the State of Connecticut was concerned. The latter State had 
ceeded her western lands, beyond the Western Reserve, to the Uni- 
ted States, and by her acceptance of the Decree of the Trenton Com- 
inission, she abandoned her claim to lands within the territory of 
Pennsylvania. 

Considering the Delaware River as the western limit of the Prov- 
ince of New York, as it was evidently construed by King Charles in 
his grant to Penn, and as admitted by Gov. Tryon in his Report of 
1774,* there still remained to Connecticut the nominal title to a strip 
of land two minutes of latitude in width, extending from the Dela- 
ware River to Lake Erie, to which she had never laid claim, either 
by actual pre-emption by her agents, or by conveyance to other 
parties. 

In the controversy between Connecticut and Pennsylvania, upon 
the question whether Connecticut could hold beyond the province 
of JSew York under her Charter, eminent Crown lawyers were con- 

* The Lords of Trade aud Plantations made an elaborate " Representation " of 
the condition of the Colonies in detail, to the Kin^ (George I) 8 Sept., 1731 in 
which the Boundaries of each province are given. New York is stated as being 
bounded " southwest by the Province of New Jersey, northwest by Delaware river" 
and they were careful to give no western Boundary to Connecticut, although they 
bound New rork East by that Colony. (N. Y, Col. Hist, v, 600.) 



430 [Senate 

suited. The Penns submitted tlieir ease to the Attorney General, 
afterward Lord Camden, whose opinion is dated 7 March, 1761. 

"If all tlie colonies in North America were to remain at this day, 
bounded in point of riglit, as tlicy are described in the original 
grants of each, I do not believe there is one settlement in that part of 
the globe that has not in some measure either been encroached upon, 
or else usurped upon its neighbours : so that if the grants were them- 
selves the only rule between the contending plantations, there never 
could be an end of their disputes without unsettling large tracts of 
land, when the inha!)itants have no better title to produce, than 
either possession, or posterior grants, which in point of law, would be 
superseded by prior charters. Hence I conceive that many other 
circumstances must be taken into consideration, besides the parch- 
ment boundary : tor that may at this day be extended or narrowed 
by p 'ssession, acquiescence, or agreement ; by the situation and con- 
dition of the territory at the time of the grant, as well as by various 
other matters. 

" With respect to the present dispute, the western boundary of 
Connecticut was barred at the time of the original grant by the 
Dutch settlement : and the Crown were deceived when they were 
called upon to convey a territory which belonged to another State 
then in amity with the Crown of England. I 'esides this objection, 
the settlement of the new bonndarv, under the King's commission, 
in l()<)4r, and what is still stronger, the new line marked out by 
agreement between this province and New York, has now precluded 
Connecticut from advancing one foot beyond these limits. 

"I am of the opinion, therefore, that the Province of 

Connecticut has no right to resume their ancient boundary by over- 
leaping the Province of New York: or to encroach upon the Penn- 
sjdvania grant, which was not made until after the Connecticut 
boundary had been reduced by new confines, which restored the 
lands beyond those settlements westward, to the Crown, and laid 
them open to a new grant." 

The Connecticut case was submitted to Lord Thurlow and other 
eminent lawyers : — 

" Question II. Have not the said Governor and Company of the 
Colony of Connecticut, the right of preemption and the title under 
the Crown to the lands aforesaid, within the limits and bounds of 
their patent aforesaid, lying westward of the Province of New York, 
and not included m the charter of King Charles II to the Duke of 
York, notwithstanding the several settlements of boundaries between 
the colony on the east and the province on the west, made as well 
by agreement between the parties as under the royal authority, and 
notwithstanding the subsequent charter to Sir William Penn ? 

"'"Answer. The agreement between the Colony of Connecticut 
and the Province of New York can extend no further than to settle 
the boundaries between the respective parties, and has no effect 



No. 71.] 431 

upon other claims that either of tliein had in other parts : and as the 
charter of Connecticut was granted but eighteen years before tha 
to Sir William Penn, there is no ground to contend that the Crown 
could, at that period, make an effectual grant to him of that coun- 
try, which had been so recently granted to others. But if the country 
had been actually settled under the latter grant, it would now be a 
matter of considerable doubt Avhether the right of the occupiers or 
the title under which they hold, could be impeached by a prior grant, 
without actual settlement." 

While in the Pennsylvania matter the last opinion was favorable 
to the Connecticut claim, in the New York matter it was practically 
adverse to it. Thus Connecticut in accepting this opinion, had the 
unanimous decision of counsel agaiiist her in advance. 

The State of Connecticut was building a State House in Hartford. 
In those early days it seems to have been as much of an elephant on 
the hands <jf the Commonwealth, as the new Capitol at Albany is 
held to be by some of the present generation. Andrew Ward and 
Jeremiah HaWey were the contractors. And in payment for mate 
rials furnished and services rendered, Connecticut hit upon thehajpy 
expedient of laying claim to this almost forgotten strip of land, and 
conveying it to Ward and Halsey. 

Under an Act of the Asseml)ly of Connecticut passed the second 
Tuesday in May, 1795, Governor Samuel Huntington executed a 
deed dated 25 July, 1795, in which he, for the Commonwealth quit- 
claimed to Andrew Ward and Jeremiah Halsey, "said land situated 
and lying within the original Charter limits of this State, on the 
north of, and adjoining upon the north line of Pennsylvania as the 
same is now claimed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and 
South of the origiiuil charter line of the Commonwealth of Massa- 
chusetts, extending from the northeast corner of said Commonwealth 
of Pennsylvania, and abutting on the north line of Pennsylvania as 
aforesaid westward, until it comes to the east line of a tract of land 
sold by these United States to said Commonwealth of said Pennsyl- 
vania, and bounded northerly on south line of the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts as betbre expressed." The consideration in the Deed 
was forty thousand dollars. 

The Colony of New York had assumed jurisdiction over the lands 
ill question by the organization of Tryon (afterward Montgomery) 
County, which ejnbraced the territory of the Province west of the 
Delaware River, in 1772, more than twenty years before the date at 
which Connecticut appeared to claim it ; tlie Colony had also joined 
with Pennsylvania in lixing a starting point upon a boundary be- 
tween the Provinces; and in 1786-7 their successors, the States, had 
together run the south line of New York. The latter State had al- 
ready entered upon the entire area of the strip, or " Gore," and with 
a few inconsiderable exceptions in the southeastern part of Broome 
County, had conveyed it away, and settlers were in possession at 
various points. Nearly two-thirds of it had passed into the hands 



432 [Sknate 

of Massachusetts and had been further" transferred to other parties. 
The conditions of the contest betweeji Connecticut and Pennsjl- 
vania were reversed. 

Ward and Halsey organized a company called the '*' Connecticut 
Land Company '', for the purpose of taking up the land purchased 
by them. Claimants under the Company undertook to take posses- 
sion, and tlie matter was brought to rlie attention of Governor Jay 
ot New York, then just elected, and 8 February, 1796, he sent the 
following message to the Legislature : — 

'•Gentlemen: Having received information that certain persons, 
under pretence of title from a neighbouring state to a considerable 
tract of country in this, were by improper practices endeavouring to 
draw into question the jurisdiction, and to excite opposition to the 
lawful authority ot this Stato over the said tract, I referred that in- 
formation to the Attorney General, with directions to make further 
inquiries and to report to me the result. I this morning received 
from him a letter which together with other ]-)aper8 respecting this 
subject, I have now the honor of laving before you. 

'' It ap|iears to me expedient as well as just, that the rights of the 
state be at all times maintained with firmness, and vindicated with 
promptitude and decision." 

And upon the fifteenth of the same month he addressed the 
Legislature again as follows, in a special Message : — 

" You will also herewith receive a representation from Jeremiah 
Halsey, which considering its connection with the subject of my 
former message relative to the opposition said to be existing to the 
jurisdiction and title of this State, to and over a part of its territory 
by certain persons claiming the same, I think should be laid before 
you." This was referred to the Committee of the Whole. Four 
days afterward, the Legislature passed the following Joint Resolu- 
tion. 

" Resolved, That it is the sense of the Legislature that the land 
within this State lately sold by the state of Connecticut h;i8 been 
long since held under grants from this state and the late Colony of 
New York, and great part thereof is actually settled under such 
grants aforesaid. That the late Colony of New York, and this 
State have continually exercised jurisdiction over the said tract of 
Country from the first settlement thereof without any claim by or 
on the part of the State of Connecticut until the late sale made by 
that state since the last session of the Legislature of this State. 
That this state will at all times submit to the decision of the proper 
and Constitutional court of judicature respecting any controversy 
with any State or any person claiming under any State in the Union. 
But it is determined until such decision be had, to maintain the 
antient jurisdiction thereof, and to protect all the citizens and 
inhabitants of this State in their rights and possessions against all 
claims and pretenses whatsoever. And therefore his Excellency the 
Governor is hereby requested to direct the Attorney General to 



No. 71.] 433 

institute proper suits and prosecutions against every person wlio 
shall make any intrusion or entry upon, or take jDossession of any 
land in either of the counties of Otsego, Tioga, or Ontario under 
any claim or pretense of title from the State of Connecticut or who 
shall sell or buy any such pretended titles, and to defend at the 
expense of this State all suits to be brought by or under the State 
of Connecticut against any person for the recovery of or concerning 
any land in either of the said Counties held under this State, or the 
agreement between this State and the Conmionwealth of Massachu- 
setts. And his Excellency the Governor is also hereby requested 
to issue a Proclamation, commanding all Magistrates and other citi- 
zens of this State, to oppose and prevent by all legal means in their 
power any such intrusion, entry, sale or purchase, and to give due 
notice of all such practices as may come to their knowledge." 

Governor Jay at once issued his proclamation, in which, after 
reciting the words of the resolution, he concludes with " to the end 
that proper measures may therefore be immediately taken to main- 
tain the authority of the laws, and to bring the offenders to an 
exemplary punishment." 

Upon 11 March, the Legislature passed ^'An Act to j^revent Intru- 
sions on Lands within the Jurisdiction of this State, wilder pretence 
of Title from the State of Connecticut. 

"Whereas information has been received by this legislature, that 
certain persons under pretence of title derived from a quit claim 
grant from the state of Connecticut, for a considerable extent of 
territory within this state, do by various improper practices 
endeavor to draw into question the jurisdiction of this state over 
the said territory, excite opposition to the lawful authority thereof, 
and defame the titles of persons holding lands by grants under the 
great seal of this state, or under the great seal of the late colony of 
New-York ; in order therefore, to counteract such practices, and to 
preserve the just rights of the citizens of this state, 

I. Be it enacted hy the people of the state of New- Yorl\ repre- 
sented in senate and assernhly, That if any person shall intrude or 
settle on any of the waste or ungranted lands of this state, under or 
by virtue of any title or claim derived from or under the state of 
Connecticut, take possession of or settle on any lands within the 
jm"isdiction of this state, every such person shall be deemed as hold- 
ing such lands by a foreign title against the right and sovereignty 
of the people of the state of New York ; and it shall be the duty 
of the person administering the government of this state for the 
time being, to remove or cause to be removed by such means, 
and in such manner as he shall judge proper all such persons 
so intruding, settling or taking possession of any lands within 
the jurisdiction of this state, and to cause all the buildings 
of such persons to be destroyed, and for that purpose in his 
discretion to order out any portion of the militia from any part of 
this state ; and every detachment so from time to time to be ordered 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 55 



434 [Senate 

out, shall receive the same pay and rations, and be subject to the 
same rules and regulations as is provided b}' law, vt-hen any portion 
of the militia of this state is ordered out, in case of invasion or 
other emergency. 

''II. And he it further enacted, That eveiy person who shall 
bargain, sell or convey, or by any ways or means, obtain, get, or 
procure any pretended right or title, or make or take any promise, 
grant or covenant to have any right or title of any person or 
persons, in or to any lands, tenements or hereditaments within this 
state, under the said pretended title from the state of Connecticut, 
shall be deemed guilty of a public offence and high misdemeanor 
against the people of this state, and may be j^rosecuted for the same 
by indictment or information in any court of record within this 
state, and upon conviction be punished by fine and imprisonment 
in the discretion of the court, and if a citizen of this state, shall 
moreover be disabled forever thereafter, from electing or being 
elected to any office, place or trust within this state. 

" III. And he it farther enacted, That it shall and hereby is made 
the duty of and strictly enjoined on the justices of the peace, sheriffs 
and other officers of the government of this state, within the several 
counties of Otsego, Tioga and Ontario, immediately after the passing 
of this act, and from time to time thereafter, to make enquiry in tlie 
said counties respectively, in which they have jurisdiction, whether 
any person or persons have akeady settled, or shall hereafter settle 
or claim to hold lands within the said counties under pretence of 
title derived from such quit claim or other grant from the said state 
of Connecticut, and to report the name and names of any person so 
settling or claiming to the person administering the government of 
t'his state for the time being, to the end that they may be proceeded 
against according to law. 

" IV. And he it further enacted^ That in case any suit shall be 
instituted by any person whomsoever, claiming under any grant from 
the state of Connecticut, for the recovery of any lands within either 
of the said counties, the person administering the government of this 
state for the time being, upon notice thereof, shall direct the attor- 
ney-general of this state to defend every such suit, and the faith of 
this State is hereby pledged for defraying the expense of all the costs 
and charges of defending every such suit as aforesaid."* 

Suits of Ejectment were brought in the United States Circuit 
Court for the District of Connecticut, for the Connecticut claimants 
bj Jonathan Lyman and Samuel Fowler, against Mary Lindley and 
others, and Abraham Miller, for the recovery of lands in Steuben and 
Tioga Counties, to which the plaintiffs claimed title under a grant 
from Connecticut. The Lindley suit involved the title of part of 
Township 1, Range 2, of the Phelps and Gorliam Purchase. 

The Legislature of New York, 3 Nov., 1796, further instructed 
the Governor to retain the Attorney General and such counsel as 

*Laws of 1796, (3 Webster,) Chap xxv. 



No. 71.] 435 

might be required to defend these suits and others which might be 
instituted; and appropriated the sum of live thousand dollars toward 
the expense. 

From the report of the Attorney General, Josiah Ogden Hoffman, 
to Gov. Jay in Nov., 1797, we lind that in the case of Abraham Mil- 
ler, a default was entered, but waived and the case re-opened. 

Mr. Hoffman and Col. Hamilton attended the session of the Cir- 
cuit Court at ELartford in September and entered plea as to jurisdic- 
tion upon the ground that the lands in question were outside the 
limits of the District of Connecticut, and the plea was contested by 
the plaintiff. The object of the latter seemed to be to obtain a jury- 
entirely composed of citizens of Connecticut. Such a jury was chal- 
lenged on the ground that the Deputy Marshal who summoned the 
]ury was a citizen of Connecticut, and was a claimant under that State 
to part of the lands. Upon the latter ground, the plea was sustained 
and the case put over, but the Court overruled the plea of jurisdic- 
tion. Mr. Hoffman recommended legislation by Congress to allow 
removal of cases of this nature to places of trial where juries may be 
summoned from Districts not interested in the controversy. 

An act of this character was introduced into Congress but it failed 
to pass. Gov. Jay in a message in May, 1798, called the attention 
of the Legislature to the rejection of this bill, and recommended the 
subject to the serious consideration of that body. And in March, 
1799, he requested that an additional appropriation the first one hav- 
ing become exhausted, and the following item M'as inserted in the 
general Appropriation Bill of that session : — " That the treasurer 
shall pay to the order of the person administering the government of 
this state such sums as he may from time to time direct for defray- 
ing such charges and expenses as have arisen or may arise in and 
about the defence of the rights of this State, against the claim made 
under the State of Connecticut." 

The case was taken to the Supreme Court of the United States at 
Philadelphia, where the question whether the suits ought to be con- 
sidered as depending between the States of New York and Connecti- 
cut, was argued by Messrs. Hoffman and Morgan Lewis, of New York 
for, and Hillhouse, of Connecticut against, upon a motion for a rule to 
remove the case to a place of trial outside the jurisdiction of Con- 
necticut and New York. 

Meantime the liCgislature of Connecticut passed a resolution 
agreeing that when the proprietors of the gore should have settled 
and adjusted all disputes with New York, the State of Connecticut 
would release the whole juridical right over the Territory, and in ac- 
cordance with the recommendation of the Legislature, the Land Com- 
pany, 17 Dec, 1 797, appointed James Sullivan, James Wadsworth and 
Alexander Wolcott as Commissioners to negotiate with New York, 
provided that the negotiations be entered upon before 1 April, 1798. 
This action was communicated to the Legislature of New York, 23 
Jan., 179S, by Governor Jay. 



436 [Senate 

The subject was promptly considered by the Legislature, and upon 
14 February the following Resolution was passed. 

"Whereas the State of New York does not acknowledge the 
claim of Connecticut to any lands in this State, and whereas this 
State has full confidence in the irapartjality, knowledge, and integ- 
rity of the judiciary of the United States in regard to any suit com- 
menced, or which may hereafter be commenced, which involves the 
claim of the people of Connecticut to any lands in this State, thei'e- 
fore, 

'"''Resolved^ That it Avould be improper for this State to appoint 
commissioners to treat or confer with the commissioners on the part 
of Connecticut relative to the dispute in question." 

Before the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States 
w^as reached, another effort for an amicable adjustment was made, 
by the Connecticut Legislature appointing Commissioners for the 
settlement of the controversy. This action was responded to by the 
Legislature of New York by the passage 28 Feb., 1800, of an Act 
authorizing the Governor to appoint the Commissioners "to finally 
settle the controversy concerning the jurisdiction of the tract between 
this State and Connecticut in such a manner as they should judge 
most conducive to the interests of this State."* Whether the Gov- 
ernor acted under this law is unknown. The Supreme Court soon 
after rendered a decision, declaring that the States wei'e not parties 
and that the Circuit Court had jurisdiction. " How far a suit may 
with effect be instituted in this Court to decide the right of jurisdic- 
tion between two States abstractedly from the right of soil, it is not 
necessary to determine. The question is a great one; but not before 
us."t 

When next the cases were called in the District Court at Hartford, 
the plea of jurisdiction was again entered and sustained upon the 
ground, " that since the last continuance of these actions the State 
of Connecticut had renounced forever for the use and benefit of the 
United States, and of the several individual States who may be 
therein concerned respectively, and of those deriving claims or title 
from them or any of them, all the territorial or jurisdictional claims 
whatever under any grant, charter, or charters whatever to the soil 
and jurisdiction of any and all lands whatsoever lying westward of 
the east line of New York." The cases were thrown out of court 
with costs upon the claimants. 

As is expressed in a printed appeal published in 1829, " here the 
hopes of the Gore Company terminated and the prospects of gain 
under the grant from the State vanished in a moment." 

" They had expended in addition to the consideration in the deeds 
nearly twenty thousand dollars in prosecuting for and defending 
their rights to the land. After the decision of the Supreme Court 
and before the passage of the Act of Cession, sundry new members 
were admitted to the Gore Company, and others were desirous of 

* Laws of 1800, chap. xv. f 3 Dallas, 411. 



Ko. 71.] . . 437 

being admitted upon an estimation of the value of the franchise at 
the sura of $250000." 

At the final decision of the District Court, the officers of the Land 
Company petitioned the Legislature of New York for relief. Their 
petition was referred to the Attorney General and Comptroller and 
upon their report, the Legislature 26 Feb., 1802, passed the following 
preamble and resolution : — 

" Whereas, the Atty General and the Comptroller have in pursu- 
ance of the resolution of this Senate, at the last session of the legis- 
lature made this report on the petition of Hezekiali Bissell and Joseph 
Woodbridge, Agents for the claimants of lands purchased of the 
State of Connecticut, commonly called the Gore, wherein the Attor- 
ney General states as his opinion that the legal title of this State to 
the lands claimed can be established in case the claimants shall judge 
fit to institute new suits. Therefore 

" Resolved .... That it would be inexpedient and in- 
consistent with the rights and interests of this State, to accede to any 
terms of adjustment or compromise offered by the persons claiming 
the said lands." 

The claimants made no further effort to contest the case with New 
York, or to obtain possession of the land. They had to content 
themselves with a presentation of their claim to the State of Con- 
necticut, and with such relief as might be obtained in printed appeals 
to the symj)athies of the j)ublic. 



438 [Senate 



APPENDIX M. 



THE ERIE TPJANGLE. 

When the Legislature of New York passed the Act of Cession in 
1780, the Revohitionary War was still in progress. When the Deed, 
was signed, the fortune of war was beginning to turn in favor of 
the United States. Pennsylvania had been disappointed in her claim 
of thirty years before, of a northern boundary which would give 
her the entire eastern end of Lake Erie, a claim which was supported 
by many of the most authentic ante-helluni maps. The distorted 
representations of the topographical features of the country upon the 
rude maps of the period, encouraged her to believe tliat she still had 
a valuable lake frontage in the northwest corner of the province. 

In the proceedings preliminary to the final establishment of the 
northern boundary of the State, the General Assembly 15 Septem- 
ber, 1783, had, at the request of the merchants of Philadelphia, ap- 
pointed Commissioners, who were, among other things, " To examine 
. . . particularly whether any part of lake Erie is within the 
state of Pennsylvania, taking particular notes of the nature and 
geography of the country as to the practicability of roads, water 
carriage, air, soil, natural productions, &ca.""'^" 

The Commission found that before they could comply with this 
instruction it would be requisite that the northern boundary should 
be run. 

This boundary was finally established, and the State of Pennsyl- 
vania, instead of lake coast of thirty or forty miles, found herself 
cut off with but two or three miles of shore line, and the much- 
coveted harbor of Presqu' Isle entirely within the territory ceded 
by New York and Massachusetts to the United States. Pennsyl- 
vania cast wistful eyes toward this land. Its extent was unknown, 
but it was estimated to contain nearly a million acres, and to cover 
a lake coast of eighty or ninety miles. 

The General Assembly of Pennsylvania on Monday, 12 Novem- 
ber, 1787, one month after the completion of the survey of the 
Parallel Boundary, " Resolved, That the Supreme Executive Coun- 
cil be authorized and requested to obtain, and lay before the General 
Assembly a description of the lands lying between the northern 
boundary of this State and Lake Erie, with an Estimate of the 
sum necessary to purchase such part thereof as may be thought 
necessary to accomodate this State."'!' 

The Vice-President of the Executive Council transmitted a copy 

* Penn. Arch, x, 129. f Penn. Arch, x, 311. 



No. 71.] 439 

of this resolution to the Delegates of Pennsylvania in Congress, with 
the following remarks : — 

"Council request you will be pleased to give them sncli informa- 
tion on the subject as may be in your power — especially on the part 
which relates to the Estimate of the sum necessary to purchase, and 
for what sum other lands belonging to The United States in these 
parts were sold. It may likewise be necessary to obtain information 
respecting the Western Boundary of the State of New York, to 
know how far the same extends along the Pennsylvania line in 
order to make an Estimate of the Quantity."* 

The General Assembly, 5 February Resolved, " That Andrew 
Potter, Esquire, and Major William Armstrong, be requested to 
furnish Council with the best description they can of the lands lying 
between the northern boundary of this State and Lake Erie, west of 
the boundary of the State of New York."t 

Upon 16 February these gentlemen both responded, and their 
letters are given below, 

" Gentlemen, Agreably to your request I have herein drawn up 
a Description of the Country lying between the northern boundaries 
of this State and lake Erie, west of the State of New-York, viz. 

" The soil will come under the description Tolarable good. The 
Countary is clear of Mountains and but very little broken with Hills. 
In many parts of it are very rich Tracts of land, and some parts are 
rather wet & swampy. — It abounds with a great variety of Timber, 
such as. Sugar Trees, Ijcech, Ash, Hickory, Black Red and W^hite 
Oak, Chesnut, Cherry, Hemlock, White Pine, Sycamore, Elm, Cow- 
cumber, Aspen, Birch, Poplar, Walnut, &c. 

" From the north west Coi-ner of this State the general direction 
of Lake Erie is North 65° East for upwards of sixty Miles, so that 
the angle made with the northern Boundary line is 25° 

"The Bay of Presque Isle is a safe Harbour for shipping and the 
only one (on this side) from Gayahoga to the lower end of the Lake. 
The distance from Presque Isle to La Bauf, on the French creek is 
about 15 miles, and the ground sufficiently firm to admit of a good 
Road the whole way with little or no Bridging. 

"The western boundary of the state of N. York has not yet been 
ascertained, probably it may fall a few miles East of the Conawango 
River.:}: — This River is boatable to the upper end of Chadaghque 
Lake, from thence there is a portage of about 9 miles to Lake Erie. 

" The above described tract of Country may contain between 7 
and 800,000 Acres.§ 

"ANDREW PORTER." 

* Penn. Col. Records, xi, 237. 

f Idem, XV, 382. 

:]: About thirty-five miles east of its true location as ascertained bv Andrew Elli- 
cott in 1790; yet the Revised Statutes of New York state that Andrew Porter and 
others erected a monument on this western line in 1787, (See page 98.) 

§Penn, Arch, si, 241, 



440 [Senate 

"Gentlemen, Agreeable to the request of your Honorable Board 
I have looked over some of my notes Taken when out on the line 
last summer & tind that after we Ooss'd the Alligane River 
the last time, there was much of a sameness in the Country both as 
to Timber & Soile on and uear the line and a greater Variety of 
Wood on the same space then I ever saw in any other part, a large 
Proportion of which was J^each, Sugar maple & ash, The soile in 
general appears rich tho' I believe rather Cold for some kind of 
grane, But well adapted to grass. The Country in general is mid- 
ling Flat and level but more Particularly so on the heads or sorcesof 
the small stremes, that Emty into the alligani river, all the waters 
running into the Lake having a better Current & shorter distence 
to run. The high dry grounds have moderate ascents and appear 
Pleasant & very few stone to be seen on the surface, the watei-s of 
French Creek and the Connowonge both afford a good Boat Navi- 
gation to witfhin a small distance of the Lake. I could not see that 
at and near the Lake it was more subject to Early frosts than many 
parts much more to the southward. 1 am of opinion that it is Equal 
in value to any Equal Quantity of land on the West side of the alli- 
gane river within the lines of the state, according to Information we 
Peceiv'd fi-ora (Capt. Wm. Morris one of the Commissioners from 
the state of New York) that the line of session from New York to 
the United States would strike the line of our state at or near the 
190 mile-stone. Tho' that is but a matter of opinion founded on his 
Information aif any rate we shall Include a large part of the Margen 
of the Lake with the only harber on it which Priquelle. I remain 
with much Esteem, your Honors most Obedient, & very humble 
Servt.* 

"W^ ARMSTRONG." 

The Executive Council also reported to the General Assembly, — 
" In compliance with your resolution of the thirteenth of November 
last, we have obtained and now lay before the General Assembly, 
discriptions of the lands lying between the Northei-n Boundary of 
this State and Lake Erie, with an estimate of the sums which will 
probably be necessary for the purchases of the same, as will appear 
by the papers marked No. 1 and 2, to which we beg leave to refer. 
We have likewise wrote to our Delegates in Congress, relative to 
the estimate. Their answer as soon as it comes to hand will be 
transmitted to your House. 

" We have now the pleasure of laying before you a map of the 
Northern boundary of this State, as run by the Commissioners ap- 
pointed for that purpose, who have compleated their useful work.'-f 
The following is probably one of the marked papers submitted : — 
" Estimate of Cousidei-ation to Indians for Triangle at Lake Erie, 
1788" 

*Penn. Arch, xi, 243-243. f Penn. Col. Rec. xv, 392-3. 



Ko. 71.] 441 

[Yarious items araoniitini? according to Estimate to £050] 
" I beg leave to inform Council that it appears to me the above 
Estimate would not be more than a sutRcient Consideration for the 
Claim which the 6 Nations have to the Triangular piece of land 
which this Commonwealth hath in contemplation to purchase of 
s'^ Indians.* 

"TEA. JOHNSTON." 

The message of the Council was referred to a committee who re- 
ported as follows, 29 Feb., 

" Tiie Committee to whom was referred the message of Council 
respecting the purchase of a tract of land on Lake Erie beg leave to 
report, 

" That in their opinion the purchase of the said tract of land, is 
an object highly worthy the attention of this State, therefore offer 
the following resolution, 

" Resolved, That the Supreme Executive Council be authorized 
to negociate with the United States for such tract of country as may 
appear to be their ])roperty on Lake Erie adjoining to the northern 
boundary of this State, and report to the General Assembly the 
terms required by Congress with an estimate of all other expences 
which in their opinion may be necessary for compleating the pur- 
chase."'!' 

[This report was adopted.] 

The Delegates in Congress replied to Vice President Muhlenberg's 
letter 28 Feb., " Sir, We received your letter of the 5th Feb'ry & 
should not have so long delayed our answer could we have sooner 
given any satisfactory information to either the Council or the House. 

" With respect to the quantity of the tract nothing can be conjec- 
tured with accuracy & as the estimate you require must be founded 
principally on this fact, we have as a first step, originated enquiry by 
motion in Congress which, should its progress be unobstructed, will 
at once decide the size & pi'operty of the Tract, should it fall within 
the United States, the price will not in all probability exceed one 
Dollar in certificates per acre, & if within the State of Massachusetts, 
much less as that State cannot well exceed the terms of the New 
York Land office. 

" The moment Congress come to any act on this subject, we shall 
have the honor of communicating it.":}; 

Congress, 6 June, adopted the following : — "Resolved, That the 
geographer of the United States be, and he is hereby directed to as- 
certain by himself or by a deputy duly appointed for the purpose, 
the boundary line between the United States and the states of New 
York and Massachusetts, agreeably to the deeds of cession of the 
said states. 

*Penn. Arch, xi, 245. The items of the Estimate are given in the report on 
page 444. 
fPenn, Arch, xi, 252 ibidem. xi,2ol. 

[Sen. Doc. No. 7L] r>a 



442 [Senate 

" That the said geographer inform the executives of the states of 
New York and Massachusetts of tlie time of running the said hne. 
in order that they or either of them may, if they think proper, have 
persons attending at the time. 

" That the said geographer or his deputy, having run the meridian 
between Lake Erie and the state of Pennsylvania, and marked and 
noted down in his field-book, pi-oper land marks for perpetuating the 
same, shall proceed to make a survey of the land lying west of the 
said line, between lake Erie and the state of Pennsylvania, so as to 
ascertain the quantity thereof, and make return of such survey to the 
board of treasury, who are hereby authorized and empowered at any 
time before or after such survey, to sell the said tract in whole, at 
private sale, for a price not less than three-fourths of a dollar per acre 
in specie, or public securities drawing interest." 

These Resolutions were transmitted to the Council of Pennsyl 
vania by the Delegates in Congi-ess requesting insti'uctions, and 
14 June, the Council "Kesolved, That the President inform our 
Delegates in Congress, that they are authorized and empowered by 
this Board to negotiate and contract with Congress, in behalf of this 
State, for the purchase of the lands before described, at the rate of 
three-quarters of a dollar per acre in specie or public securitys bear- 
ing interest."* 

Upon 7 July the Delegates addressed the United States Board of 
Treasury : — 

' ' We the delegates of the State of Pennsylvania, in compliance 
with instructions, and in virtue of powers, received from the said 
State, do hereby offer to contract (in behalf of the said State) with 
the Honble Board of Treasury, for a tract of land belonging to the 
United States, contained in the interval betwixt a Meridian Line, 
run between Lake Erie and the state of Pennsylvania, and the 
Boundaries of the States of New York and Massachusetts, at the 
rate of three-fourths of a dollar per acre ; payable in Gold or Silver, 
or in public securities of the United States, bearing interest ; when 
the quantity ascertained by actual survey, in the manner prescribed 
by a resolution of Congress, of the 7^^ of June, ITSS.f 

"WM. BINGHAM. 
JAMES R. REID." 

Samuel Osgood and Arthur Lee of the Board of Treasury xe- 
sponded : — 

" Gentlemen, The United States in Congress having by their act 
of the 20th instant;}: determined that no reservations are in their 
judgment, necessary to be made on account of the United States, in 
a certain Tract of Land, contained in the interval betwixt a meridian 
Line, run between Lake Erie and the State of Pennsylvania ; and 
the Boundaries of the State of New York and Massachusetts. We 

* Penn. Col. Rec. xv, 471-3. 

f Perm. Arch, xi, 383. 

:}:This Act does not appear in tlie printed Journals of Congress. 



No. 71.] US 

beg leave to acquaint your that we accept your Proposal for the pur- 
chase of the said tract, on behalf of the state of Pennsilvania, as 
expressed m your letter of the 7th July, 1788."* 

This proposition was at once reported to the Executive Council by 
the Delegates.f 

Congress on tt September, 1788, adopted the following Preamble 
and Resolution, a copy of which was transmitted the same day to 
the Executive Council of Pennsylvania. 

" Whereas it appears that the board of treasury, in conformity to 
the act of Congress of the 6th of June last, have entered into a con- 
tract with the delegates of the state of Pennsylvania, in behalf of 
the said state, for the tract of land bounded east, agreeably to the 
cession of western territory, by the states of Massachusetts and 
New-York, south by Pennsylvania, north and west, by Lake Erie ; 
and whereas the said tract is enth-ely separated from the other lands 
of the western territory, over which the jurisdiction of the United 
States extends ; And whereas under these circumstances it will be 
expedient for the state of Pennsylvania to hold and exercise juris- 
diction over the tract aforesaid ; therefore, 

" Resolved., That the United States do hei'eby relinquish and trans- 
fer all their right, title and claim to the government and jurisdiction 
of the said tract of land, to the State of Pennsylvania, forevei". 
And it is hereby declared and made known, that the laws and pub- 
lic acts of the said state shall extend over every part of the same 
tract, to all intents and purposes, as if the same had been originally 
within the charter bounds of the said state ; provided that the in- 
habitants of the said tract shall be maintained in all the rights and 
privileges which other citizens of the said state of Pennsylvania are 
now or may hereafter be constitutionally entitled to enjoy." 

President Muhlenberg, 8 September, transmitted the Pesolution 
of Congress to the Speaker of the General Assembly with the fol- 
lowing remarks : — 

" By accounts received from Pittsburgh, a pacific disposition is 
manifested on the part of the Indians, and there is now reason to 
expect a large meeting of the Northern and Western Tribes at Mus- 
kingum, to hold a treaty with the Continental Commissioners. This 
favorable opportunity ought not, in the opinion of Council, to be 
missed — for altho' the quantity of Land in the Triangle purchased 
from the Board of Treasury cannot be ascertained with precision 
before the necessary lines are run agreeable to the Act of Congress 
of the sixth day of June last, yet, as a great part of the Expence 
attending Treaties with Indians is incurred by collecting and fur- 
nishing thein with provisions; charges which, in tliis Instance, may 
be avoided. 

" Council, therefore, earnestly recommend the appointing Com- 
missioners on the part of this State to attend the ensuing Treaty for 
purchasing from the Indians who may appear to have just Claims to 
the same, the whole of the Triangle aforesaid, as nearly as the 

* Penn. Arch, xi, 383. fPenn. Col. Rec. xv, 533-4. 



444 [Senate 

bounds of the same may be ascertained by the best information 
which can be now obtained."* 

And the Supreme Executive Council submitted the following re- 
port to the Asse.mbly, — 

" That they have negotiated with Congress for purchasing the 
land contained in the interv^al betwixt a meridian line run between 
Lake Erie and the State of Pennsylvania, and the boundaries of the 
States of New York and Massachusetts," 



" An Estimate of other probable expenditures that may be in- 
curred by the purchase is herewith presented, amounting to the sum 
of Nine hundred and fifty pounds. 

" To conchide the business with the United States, it now remains 
for tlie General Assembly to make the requisite appropriation of 
j)ublic securities, and to assign funds whence the other expences 
may be drawn. 

"1788, Septr. 



"An Estimate of the expence that may probably attend the business 
of the Lake Erie Lands, if it should be directed to purchase the 
claim of the Six Nations of Indians. 

Supposed price in various suitable articles amounting 1000 dollars £375 

Provisions of different kinds 100 

Charges of Waggonage, Boat hire, &c 150 

Pay of Commissioners, hire of Interpreters, Runners, &c., 250 

Presents to the Great Men > 75 

t£950 " 



These Communications were referred to a committee which re- 
ported 13 September as follows : 

" That your Committee are of opinion that the purchase made by 
Council is advantageous to this Connnonwealth, and should be con- 
firmed by this House. 

" That it will therefore be necessary to provide adequate Funds 
for complying with the Contract and making the purchase of the 
Country from the Indians, agreeably to the Policy and Justice which 
have ever marked the Conduct of Pennsylvania in such Cases. 

" That as a Treaty is now about to be held with the Indians at 
Muskingum, it will be proper and oeconomical to take advantage of 
this Circumstance to make overtures at least to, and if practicable 
to compleat the purchase of the said Country from, tlie Savages, The 
Expence and delay of a particular Treaty for so small an object will 
hereby be avoided, 

" That in order to ascertain as nearly as might be the quantity ol 
Land which was the subject of the Contract, your Committee re 
quested the attendance of Mr. Ellicot, an intelligent person and 

* Penn. Col. Rec. xv, 530-1. f Peun. Arch, xi, 389, 390. 



No. 71.] 445 

well acquainted with that Country. But as the meridian Line form- 
ing the Western Boundary of New York is not actually run, the 
Quantity cannot, with any degree of accuracy, be ascertained. On 
an estimate, calculated on the supposed place of the.said meridian in 
a point of the Northern Line of Pennsylvania the most favorable 
to the pretension of New York, there appear about one Million of 
Acres contained within the Boundaries of this Purchase. Wherefore 
your Committee are of opinion that the following Resolution be 
recommended to the Consideration of the House. 

" Resolved, That this House accept, on the part of this Common- 
wealth, the Contract made with the Board of Treasury of the United 
States by the Supreme Executive Council of this State, thro' the 
Agency of the Delegates of this State in Congress, as mentioned in 
the proposals of the said Delegates, dated the 7th day of July, in 
the present year, 

" That the Supreme Executive Council be, and they are hereby 
authorized and fully empowered to take the Necessary Steps for pur- 
chasing of the Indians — who have just Claims thereto the said Tract 
of Country, and for this purpose to appoint, when they may think 
necessary, two persons as Commissioners to negotiate and compleat 
the said purchase.* 

" Resolved, That the Supreme Executive Council be, and they 
are hereby authorized and empowered to draw on the Treasury of 
this State for a Sum not exceeding Nine hundred and fifty pounds 
for the purpose of making the purchase of the Indians of the said 
Tract and bearing all Expences of the same, agreeably to an Es- 
timate by the said Council, communicated to this House."t 

The report was adopted and Gen. Richard Butler and Gen. John 
Gibson were "appointed Connnissioners to carry into effect the said 
resolutions so far as circumstances will admit."^ 

On the third of October following an Act was passed by the Penn- 
sylvania Legislature authorizing the Supreme Executive Council "to 
draw on the State Treasurer for a sum of money for defraying the 
expence of purchasing of the Indians lands on Lake Erie." (Chap- 
ter 1355). By this Act a sum of £1200 was granted for this pur- 
pose. And a further grant of £865, 15s. 4d. was added 28 Sept., 
1789. (Chapter 1439.)§ 

. Messrs Butler and Gibson were immediately notified of their ap- 
pointment by Vice President Muhlenberg in the following letter of 
instruction : — 

"Gentlemen; — You will herewith receive a resolution of the 
Honorable the General Assembly of the thirteenth ultimo, together 
with the several resolutions of Congress, respecting the triangular 
piece of Country which lies adjoining Lake Erie and the northern 

*The " Erie Triangle " was a part of the territory ceded to the Proprietaries by 
the Six Nations at the Treaty of Albany in 1754, and relinquished by them at the 
Treaty of Easton in 1758. 

f Penn. Arch, xi, 395-6 fPenn. Col. Rec. xv, 533 

§ Smith's Laws, ii, 123-4 



446 [Senate 

line of Pennsylvania, by which you will find that this State is now 
vested with both right of jurisdiction and soil. You will likewise 
receive a commission for the purpose of purchasing from the Natives 
their claim to the soil, agreeably to the constant usage of Pennsyl- 
vania, as also a rough draft* of the country in question, laid down 
by Mr. Ellicot, in the best manner he has been able from Ids present 
knowledge of it 

" The Board have great reliance on your prudence, sagacity and 
particular knowledge of these people, as well as a proper knowledge 
of their present disposition from the Continental transactions, which 
one of you have or are now especially conversant with. If there- 
fore, you shall find the Indians who have just claims in a proper 
temper or otherwise, you will be governed accordingly, 
it is, however, hoped that you may be able to dispose the minds 
of these people, at least to appoint delegates to meet at a certain 
future day and place, to finish what you have happily now begin."f 

For making the map the Records of the Council show that Ben- 
jamin EUicott received the sum of one pound five shillings. 

The Commissioners met the representatives of the Six Nations at 
Fort Harmar, on the Ohio Piver, in November and December. 
Cornplanter took a leading part in the negotiation and exerted his 
influence in favor of the State, incurring thereby the resentment 
^of many of his people who were opposed to allowing the whites 
any further concessions. The treaty was concluded and the follow- 
ing agreement was signed : 
"Be it remembered by all whom it may concern : 

" That on the ninth day of January, in the year of onr Lord, one 
thousand seven hundred and eighty nine, in open and public Coun- 
cil, we the undersigned Chief, Warriors, and others, Representing 
the following named Tribes of the Six Nations, to wit — The 
Ondwagas, or Senecas, Cayugas, Tuscaroras, Onandagas, and 
Oneidas ; for and in behalf of ourselves, our tribes, our and their 
Heirs and Successors, on the one part — and Richard Butler and 
John Gibson, Esquires, Commissioners for and in behalf of the 
State of Pennsylvania (Onas) on the other part, did make and con- 
clude upon the following articles, viz. ; 

Article 1st. 

" That as soon as these articles are signed, interchangably by the 
aforesaid Chiefs and Commissioners, the said Chiefs will execute a 
Deed of Conveyance to the State of Pennsylvania for a tract of 
Country as. hereafter shall be described. 

Article 2nd. 

" The signing Chiefs do acknowledge the right of the soil and 
jurisdiction to, in, and over that tract of Country bounded on the 

* This Map is published in Penn. Arch. xi. 
+ Peun. Col. Records, xv, 554-5. 



No. 71.] 447 

South by the North line of the State of Peiiiisjlvania, on the East 
by the West boundary of the State of New York, agreeable to the 
cession of that State and the State of Massachusetts to the United 
States, and on the North by the Margin of Lake Erie, including 
Presqne Isle and all the Bays and harbors along the margin of said 
Lake Erie, from the West boundary of Pennsylvania to where the 
West boundary of the State of New York may cross or intersect 
the South margin of the said Lake Erie 

Article 3rd. 

" The said Chiefs do agree that the said State of Pennsylvania 
shall and may at any time they may think proj^er, survey, dis- 
pose of and settle, all that part of the aforesaid Country lying and 
being West of a line lumning along the middle of Conawago river 
from its confluence with the Allegany Kiver into the Chadochque 
Lake, thence along the middle of the said lake to the North end of 
the same, thence a meridian line from the North end of the said 
lake to the margin or shore of Lake Erie 

Article 5th. 

" That as several villages belonging to the signing Chiefs and 
their people are now living on the said Conowaga creek and in 
other parts of the country supposed to be within the tract of 
country West of the West line of the State of xNew York and East 
of the line through the waters as described in the third Article 
— And as they have no country to remove to from where they now 
live, the said chiefs do reserve for their own and their people's resi- 
dence, hunting and fishing, all that part of the tract of Country 
described in the second Article, passing from the Allegany river 
along the middle of the Conowago creek, the Chedochqne Lake 
and a meridian line from the North end of said lake to Lake Erie. 



Article 7th. 
" The said Richard Butler and John Gibson, Esquires 
do agree to the aforesaid articles .... and 
that the aforesaid Chiefs and the people of their tribes, shall 
have full and peaceable liberty to hunt and fish within any part of 
the Country first above described, they demeaning themselves peace- 
ably towards the inhabitants. But the said Chiefs or their success- 
ors, shall not at any time hereafter, directly or indirectly, lease, 
rent, or make sale of any part or parcel of the tract here Reserved 
for their Use and Residence, to any other State, person or persons. 

" In testimony of the above Articles 

" In presence of "Richard Butler (L. S.) 

A"" St. Claii-, Jno. Gibson (L. S.) 

[and seven others]," Cachunwasse, (L. S.) 

[Seneca] Or Twenty Canoes." 
I [and twenty-two other Indians.]* 

* Penn. Arcb. xi, 530-533. 



448 [Senate 

Afterwliieh Cornplanter and twenty three other Chiefs executed 
the Deed, which is as follows : 

•' Know all men by these presents that we the undersigned Chiefs, 
Wariors & others representing the following named tribes of the 
Six Xations, to wit : The Ondawagas or Senecas Cayngas, Susque- 
hannas, Ouandagas & Oneidas, for, and in consideration of the sum 
of Four " [? two] " thousand Dollars to us in hand paid by Richard 
Butler and John Gibson, Esqs, Commissioners for and in behalf of the 
State of Pennsa., the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and we, 
for ourselves, our tribes, our & their heirs ife successors, [are] there- 
with fully paid & satisfied, have granted, bargained, sold and assigned 
over, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, remise, release 
[and forever] quit claim & assign over unto the sd. State of Pennsa., 
all our and their [right,] title, claim, and interest of, in and to all 
that tract of Country, situate, lying & being within the territory of 
the United States, bounded on the South by the Xortli'n [line or] 
boundary [of the State] of Pennsa., on the East by the Western 
line or boundary of the State of Xew York, agreeable to an act of 
Cession of the said State of jS'ew Tork, and the State of Massa- 
chusetts to the United States, and [on] the North by the Southern 
shore or Margin of Lake Erie, including Presq' isle and all the Bays 
[and] Harbors along the shore or Margin of the said Lake Erie from 
the West Boundary of the Said State of Pennsa., to where, the west 
hue or boundary of the State of !N"ew Tork may cross or intersect 
the southern shore or margin of the sd. Lake Erie.''* 

By the second treaty of Fort Stanwix, in October, ITSi, at the same 
time that Pennsylvania purchased the Indian title to the lands within 
her boundai'ies northwest of the Fort Stanwix line of 1768, the 
United States had concluded a treaty of peace with the Six Nations 
and the latter agreed to relincpiish all claims to the Country lying 
west of a line " beginning at the mouth of a creek about four miles 
east of Niagara, called Oyonwagea, or Johnston's landing place, on 
the Lake named by the Indians Oswego, and by us Ontario, from 
thence Southerly in a direction always four miles East of the Carry- 
ing place between Lakes Erie, and Ontario, to the mouth of the 
Tehoseron, or Buffalo Creek, on Lake Erie, thence South to the North 
Boundarv of the State of Pennsylvania, thence West to the end of 
the said'^Xorth Boundary, thence South along the West Boundary 
of the said State to the river Ohio. 

" The said line from the mouth of the Oyonwagea to the Ohio, 
shall be the Western Boundary of the lands of the Six Nations, so 
that the Six Nations shall, and do yield to the United States aU 
claim to the country West of said Boundary, and then they shall be 
secured in the peaceful possession of the lands East and North of 
the same, reserving only six miles square round the Fort of Oswego 
to the United States for the support of the same." 

This however was considered simply as a definition of boundaries 

" Penn. Arch, sii, 100-101. 



No. 71.] 449 

and not a cession of temto:y, and therefore Pennsylvania found it 
necessary to treat anew with the Indians in order to quiet them. 
The Commissioners when they reached Fort Harmai found that 
their stock of money and presents was not sufficient for the purpose 
and made a requisition for an additional stock of goods for presents. 

Generals Butler and Gibson reported to the Executive Council 
24 March, 1789, presenting tlie agreement and Deed which they had 
obtained. General Butler also sent a letter recommending a grant 
of land of 1000 or 1500 acres to Cornplanter in consideration of his 
services to the State in the various Treaties. 

The east line of the land ceded by Xew York, for the purchase of 
winch Pennsylvania wa^ negotiating, had not been run, and a good 
deal of uncertainty existed, as we have seen, in the minds of the 
State officers, as to where it would strike the north line of Pennsyl- 
vania, and as to the amount of land she would gain by it. The 
following letter from Tench Coxe, 26 January, 1789, to President 
Mifflin of the Council, bears upon this point : — 

•' Sir, I had the honor of writing you a very few lines shortly 
after my arrival [at New York]. Mr. Gorham having arr'd since, 
we have five states, and every reason to expect there wdll be seven 
in a week or ten days 

" In conversation last Night with Mr. Gorham, I find he and 
Mr. Philips," [Phelps]. " wlio purchased of Massachusetts, all the 
lands between the line of pre emption and the western bounds of 
New York are of opinion that the words of the New York cession 
to Congress do not operate a transfer of the lands east of Erie to 
Congress, and of course that the jurisdiction remains in New York 
and that the property is vested in them under the grant of New 
York to Massachuset'ts — 'Tis certain that the grant or cession of 
New York discovers a considei'able deficiency of Geographical in- 
formation, which you will easily see. Sir, by recurring to it. The 
substance is that New York is to continue her South line along our 
Nortli line to the end of the latter and so far heyond it as to throw 
a particular part of tke Western waters (the western Bend of Lake 
Ontario) 20 miles east of a line to be run from the extremity of the 
South line aforesaid to the 45th degree of N. Latitude. It is now 
ascertained, that the 20 miles east of the place in contemplation wiU 
be contained within a line that will fall far on this side Erie — The 
question will be, what will be the Consequence of this geographical 
Error? My opinion on a slight examination is, that it will leave 
our purchase good. Mr. Gorham seems desirous if the law proves 
theirs to sell to Pennsylvania, but it is necessary that we remember 
their doctrine deprives us of the Jurisdiction, for New York most 
probably will not part with it. I think it proper to add further 
that Mr Gorham raised a question, whether the grant of the Juris- 
diction to Penns'a by Congress was valid. Tiiese loose hints. Sir, 
upon so important a point are not fit m form, at least, for the pub- 
lic Eye, but it is necessary, that you. and the otlier superior characters 
[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 57 



450 [Senate 

in our government should be apprized of the difficulty which is at- 
teinjjted to be raised. 

" The purcliase made of Indians by Mr. Gorham & Co., (part of 
their whole purchase from the state) begins at our 82d mile stone, 
and runs along our N. line to tlie 124th,* and then runs due.K to 
the great Fork of the Genesee river." . . . f 

Andrew Ellicott, who had been one of the Commissioners upon 
the Western Boundary of Pennsylvania in 1785, and upon the 
Northern Boundary in 178G-7, was appointed by President "Wash- 
ington to make the survey of the Cession line, and of the tract wiiich 
Pennsylvania proposed to purchase. He had first been designated 
by the Geographer Genei"al, Gapt. Thomas Ilutchins, to undertake 
the work under resolution of Congress of 6 June, 1788, but no 
provision seems to have been made for payment for his services. 
He therefore applied to Congress for an advance of money to defray 
his expenses, and Congress, 19 Aug., 1789, amended the resolution 
authorizing the survey to read as follows : — " That the survey di- 
rected by Congress in their act of June 6th, 1788, be made and re- 
turned to the Secretary of the Treasury, without delay ; and that 
the President of the United States be requested to appoint a fit 
person to complete the same, who shall be allowed five dollars per 
day, whilst actually employed in the said service, with the expenses 
necessarily attending the execution thereof." The re-appointment 
was made 4 Sept., 1789, under this Resolution. Before proceeding 
to the frontier, Mr, Ellicott made the following suggestion to the 
President of the Council of Pennsylvania: — "As the State of 
Pennsylvania by its purchase of the United States, of a Tract of 
Country lying on the South Side of Lake Erie, has become inter- 
ested in the Execution of the survey, so far as it relates to the Quan- 
tity of Land, I would therefore just suggest the Idea of some person 
being authorized to attend on behalf of the State.":}; 

And in June, 1790, while engaged on the survey he addressed the 
following note to the Council : — 

" Gentlemen, In order to satisfy the Indians, and insure safety to 
myself, and party, in the execution of the resolve of Congress of 
June 6th, 1788, I think it w\\\ be necessary to have a copy of the 
Deed given by the Senecas, to Messrs. Butler, and Gibson, Commis- 
sioners on behalf of the State of Pennsylvania, for certain land ly- 
ing on the South side of Lake Erie, and west of the Conawango 
River, and the Carrying place between Lake Chaughtaughque, and 
Lake Erie."§ 

His request was granted. The Deed to which he referred is that 
signed by Cornplanter and other Indian Sachems, given suiyra. 

The following extract from a letter written by Mr. Ellicott to a 
friend in Albany, jST Y., 11 October, 1790, details some of the dif- 
ficulties he labored under. || 

* About onefourth mile East of 127. \ Penn. Arch., 539-540. 

I Penu. Arch, xi, 615. No one appear.s to have represented Pennsylvania how- 
ever. 
§ Penn. Arch, xi, 704. 
[ See, also, Eliicott's letter to President Washington, page 198. 



No. 71.] 451 

" I 3''esterday completed the survey of the territory annexed to the 
State of Pennsylvania, after much difficulty and hardship. The 
land contained in this survey is generally good, and from its pecu- 
liar situation an important object to the State The 

Indians did not appear to be well disposed toward the execution of 
our business, but after a treaty, and receiving some small presents, 
accompanied with rum and tobacco, permitted us to go on." 

The few details which are known relating to the survey of this 
tract will be found in the history of the Meridian Boundary.* No 
report or Diary referring to the work has ever been found, and the 
information accessible is very meager and unsatisfactory. A refer- 
ence to Vol. I of Regents Report on Boundaries {Senate Doc, 
18Y3, N". 108) pages 316-329, will explain the deficiency. After the 
survej' was finished and the boundaries and area of the tract were 
known, the negotiations for the purchase by Pennsylvania were 
completed. t 

In ] 791 the Legislature of Pennsylvania passed the following 
" Act to authorize the Governor to compleat the purchase of a cer- 
tain tract of land, lying between Lake Erie and the northern bound- 
ary of this Commonwealth. 

" Whereas^ An agreement has heretofore been entered into be- 
tween the United States and this State, respecting the purchase of a 
certain tract of land, the property of the said United States lying 
between Lake Erie and the northern boundary of Pennsylvania, 
and tlie extent and value of the said tract of land being now ascer- 
tained, it is proper to make provision for carrying the said agree- 
ment into effect : 

Sect. 1. £e it enacted hy the Senate & House of Representa- 
tives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assem- 
bly met, and it is hereby enacted by the ^authority of the same, 
That the Governor shall be and he hereby is authorized and empow- 
ered, upon the part of this commonwealth, to do, execute and per- 
form, all matters and things whatsoever, which shall be necessary for 
compleating the purchase of the said tract of land, according to the 
terms, stipulations and conditions of the agreement heretofore made 
and entered into, as aforesaid, between the United States and this 
State, and thereupon to take and receive from the said United 
States, or any person or persons by them in that belialf 
duly authorised, a good and sufficien't conveyance and assurance, in 
fee simple, of the said tract of land, in the name and for the use of 
this Commonwealth. 

"Approved April the thirteenth, 1791.'':}: 

Upon the 5th of May Governor Mifilin wrote Alex'r Hamilton, 
Secretary of the Treasury, " As I understand that the Quantity of 

* See page 198. 

f The expenditure of the United States for the Surveys of the Boundary Line, 
and of the tract conveyed to Pennsylvania paid, in 1790 and 1791, aggregated 
$4049.85, of which $3815.53 were paid to Andrew Ellicott. 

X Dallas' Laws, iii, 75-70. 



452 [Senate 

Land contained in the above mentioned tract, has been ascertained, 
by actual survey, it is proper to inform you, that I am ready on the 
part of Pennsylvania to comply with the terms of the Contract."* 

The Governor, 11 June wrote Comptroller Nicholson of Pennsyl- 
vania, — 

"Sir, I have directed the Secretary to deliver to you, the various 
documents, respecting the contract between the United States and 
Pennsylvania for the purchase of a Tract of Land on Lake Erie; 
from which, and from the Survey of the Tract, deposited in the of- 
fice of the Secretary of the Treasury ; you will be. pleased to state 
and adjust, with the Auditor and Comptroller General of the United 
States, an account of the sum, either in Public securities or in spe- 
cie, which will be necessary to discharge the consideration money, 
according to the terms, stipulations, and conditions of the agreement ; 
and report the same to me with all convenient dispatch."f 

The following is the statement of Account which was made out by 
the Comptroller : — 

" In pursuance of an agreement between the United States & the 
State of Pennsylvania .... now that the Survey hath been 
so made and returned, and in virtue of authorit}^ f rom his Excellency 
The Governor of Pennsy'a to me to state and adjust the account of 
the Sum to be paid by fhe State as aforesaid 

" I state the Account Following, viz., 

" The Commonwealth of PenrCa 

" To the United States, Dr 

"For the purchase money of the Territory & Tract of Land 
bounded as follows, .... of which Tract a survey and 
Return hath been made and returned into the office of the Secretary 
of the Treasury according to Resolution of Congress, whei-eby the 
same is found to contain 202,187 acres, which at f of a Doll'r per 
Acre payable according to the terms of the Contract in Certificates 
of the Debt of the United States bearing an Annual Interest of 3 per 
Centum is, 151,640^ Doll'rs. 

"Signed, JOHK NICHOLSON 

•' in behalf of Penn'a ". % 

Comptroller Nicholson made, the following Report to Governor 
Miffln, 16 Aug.— 

*|Penu. Arch, xii, 90. t Penn. Arch, xii, 90, 91. 

:]: Penn, Arch., xi, 655. According to the accounts of the Register of the 
Treasury, this amount was paid in +he following manner 

1 Certificate of Registered Debt (Interest from 16 Aug. 1779) $85082.08 

1 Certificate (Int. from 21 Aug. 1788) 4285.20 

Accrued Interest thereon to 10 June, 1791 62322.97 

$151640.25 
[Penn. Arch., 2° Series, vi, 630. 

i 



No. 71.] 453 

"Sir, Shortly after I was honored with your directions respecting 
the Account of Lake Erie purchase; I obtained the quantity from 
the Return in the OtRce of the Secretary of the Treasury, and made 
out and exhibited an Acct. thereof to the Auditor's Office. The 
vacancy therein, prevented any thing being done therewith — Until 
a few days past, when upon the Secretary's suggestion from you, 
tiiat they were ready at the Treasury of the United States to proceed 
thereoi], I called thei'e, and it was determined that the papers should 
be sent to the Comptr's. Office that the matter might be settled with- 
out the help of an Auditor." 

And on 22 August Secretary Hamilton addressed the Governor 
thus: — "The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the 
Governor of Pennsylvania, and has the honor to inform him that the 
vacancy in the office of Auditor, is no impediment to the adjustment 
of the afiFair of the lands with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 
The only source of delay is a difference of opinion, concerning the 
Certificates, in which payment is to be made ; the Comptroller of the 
Treasury insisting that it ought to be in such certificates as bore in- 
terest at the time of the contract, and the Comptroller General of 
Pennsylvania offering the funded three per Cents in payment.""^ 

The transaction was finally completed by the issue of the following 
Letters Patent from the United States : — 

" In the Name of the United States, to all to whom these 
presents shall come. 

" WHEREAS, by an act of Congress, intituled ' An act for carry- 
ing intoeft'ect a contract between the United States and the State of 
Pennsylvania,' it was provided, that for dulj' conveying to the said 
State a certain tract of land, the right to the government and juris- 
diction whereof was relinquished to the said State, by a resolution of 
(Congress, of the fourth day of Septembei", in the year one thousand 
seven hundred and eighty-eight, and whereof the right of soil has 
been sold, by virtue of a previous resolution of Congress, of the sixth 
day of June, in the said year, the President of the United States be 
authorized, on fulfilment of the terms stipulated on the part of the 
said State, to issue letters patent, in the name, and under the seal of 
the United States, grantins: and conveying to the said State forever, 
the said tract of land, as the same was ascertained by a survey made 
in pursuance of the resolution of Congress, of the sixth of June, one 
thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight. 

" NOW KNOW TE, that inasmuch as it appears by a certificate 
from the Comptroller of the Treasury, that the terms stipulated on the 
part of the said State concerning the tract of land aforesaid, have 
been fulfilled, according to the true intent and meaning of the said 
contract. I do by these presents, in pursuance of the above recited 
act of Congress, grant and convey to the said State of Pennsylvania, 

*Penu. Arch. xii. 94. 



454 [Senate 

forever, the said tract of land, as the same was ascertained bj the 
survey aforesaid, a copy whereof is hereunto annexed. 

" In Testimony whereof, I liave caused these letters to be 
made patent, and have hereunto subscribed my name and 
caused the seal of the United States to be affixed, at 
[l. s.] Philadelphia, this third day of March, in the Year of our 
Lord, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America 
the sixteenth. 

"GO WASHINGTON. 
" By the President, Th. Jefferson."* 

In order to quiet the Seneca Indians and to remove every shadow 
of Complaint on their part, the Pennsylvania Legislature appropri- 
ated Eight hundred dollars as a consideration, for which Cornplanter, 
Half-Town and Big Tree, " in behalf of themselves and the whole 
Seneca Nation " executed a release to Governor Mifflin, 3 Feb., 
1791, and for the use of the Connnonwealth " quit-claimed all claims 
and detnands whatsoever which on account of any cause, matter or 
thing whatsoever they the said Cornplanter, Half-Town, and Big- 
Tree, and the said Seneca Nation have or conld or might have had 
against the said Connnonwealth of Pennsylvania from the beginning 
of the world unto the day of the date of these presents ; " and pi'o- 
vided that it should not be construed to make void the privilege of 
hunting reserved in the Cession of 1784.t 

The State of Pennsylvania owed the favorable consideration of 
their proposition to purchase this tract from the Indians, in a great 
naeasure, to the efforts of Cornplanter. Tlie Six Nations, who had 
been hostile to tlie Americans during the Be volution, did not take 
kindly to the occupation of their territory by their former enemies, 
and threw obstacles in the way at every turn in the negotiation. 

" After the conclusion of the treaty [of 1784] the commissioners 
engaged Cornplanter to make special endeavors to pacify his people, 
the Senecas and others; as a compensation for which exertions a 
special grant of land was made to him on the Alleghany river, within 
the State of Pennsylvania, on which he resided until his death. But 
his people were not easily reconciled ; and they were yet more ex- 
asperated at the conduct of Cornplanter, when, live years afterward, 
at the treaty of Fort Harmar,:|; he gave up a still larger portion of 
their territory. He was bitterly reproached for this transaction ; 

his life was even threatened — a cii'cum- 

stance to which he referred in the ])athetic speech to ' The Great 
Counsellor of the Thirteen Fires' at Philadelphia in 1790.''§ 

Gyantwahia, or Cornplanter, was a Chief of the Senecas, the most 

*Penn. Arch. xii. 103, 104. 
f Penu. Arch., 2= Series, vi, 627. 

i This was the Treaty by which the ludiau title to the "Erie Triangle" wag 
extinguished. 

§ Stone's Life of Red Jacket, p. 1:^2. 



JNo. 71.] 455 

important tribe of the Six Nations. He was a half-breed, the son of 
an Irish tiader by the name of O'Bail, by whidi name he was fre- 
quently-called. He was born on the Genesee River, and before the 
Revolation had become a chief. After peace was declared he exer- 
ted his influence constantly in favor of the United States. He died 
in 1836. 

His Reservation, now the only remaining piece of land held by 
the aboriginal occupants of the soil in Peimsylvania, is situated upon 
the west side of thvi Allegany River, about 3 miles south of the State 
Line, below the Allegany Indian Reservation in New York. It con- 
tains about one thousand acres, a large proportion of which is river 
bottom land. In the southern portion, near the rude school house, is 
the burial ground, in the center of which is the grave of Cornplanter, 
where the State of Pennsylvania has erected a marble monument 
upon which are the following inscriptions ; — 

[West SiiIe on Shaft.] [Wkst Side Pedestal.] 

the ^ 0>^ ^^ 

DIED 

At Cornplanter Town 
Feb. 18 A. D. 1836. 

Aged about 100 Years. 

► 



[South Side Pedestai>.] 

Chief of the Seneca 

tribe and a principal 

Chief of the Six Nations 

from the period of the Revo- 

Itttionary War to the time 

of his death. Distinguished 

for talents, courage, eloquence, 

sobriety and love for his tribe 

and race, to whose welfare he 

devoted his time, his energies and 

his means during a long and 

eventful life. 



456 [Senate, No. 71.] 



[East Side Pedestal.] 

Erected 

By authority of the 

Legislature of 

Pennsylvania 

By act passed 

Mar. A.D. 1866. 

[jSTo inscription on North side.] 



APPENDIX K 



IVI APS 



BOUKDAET LINE 



BHTWEEN 



NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA. 



Showing the Positions of the Monuments set under the Direction of the Jo:nt 
Boundary Commission, 1881—1885. 




Snryeyor on tlie part of New Yorlf. 
Snrveyor on ilie part of Pennsylvania. 










Cy^^^^-Tr-^i^^^ y/^^'0^^^<^^^/-^^ Chairman. 




HABBISBURa. 



J^ONTROSi;. 



SONESBALi:. 








^yXjvy\r~-t 



-^n— 







ALBANT. 



SYRACUSE. 



:NirtVTORK. 



Secretmy: 

AIDANT. 



CONTENTS. 



PARALLEL BOUNDARY: 




COUNTIES IN NEW YORK. 


Pages. 


Delaware, .... 


1 


Broome, .... 


1-7 


Tioga, 


8-11 


Chemung, .... 


12-15 


Steuben, . . 


16-22 


Allegany, .... 


23-27 


Cattaraugus, .... 


28-34 


Chautauqua, 


35-4 1 


COUNTIES IN PENNSYLVANIA. 




Wayne, .... 


1-2 


Susquehanna, .... 


2-8 


Bradford, .... 


8-15 


Tioga, 


15-21 


Potter, . . 


21-27 


McKean, .... 


27-33 


Warren, . .' . . 


33-40 


Erie, ..... 


40-4 1 



MERIDIAN BOUNDARY, . . . .4 2-45 



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CATTARAUGII 



ALLEGANY /C 





CHAUTAU Q UA 



GATTARiVUGU 
■^'1 T — 




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I 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

Acts of CessioHj various States pass. « > 193 

Acts of Connecticut: 

of Cession ISS, 427 

relating to grant of land in Pennsylvania 421 

organizing town of Westmoreland , , , . 422 

releasing jurisdiction of " Western Reserve " 428 

renouncing Claims to Western Lands 428 

sale of Connecticut Gore 431 

Acts of Maryland : 

of Ratification of Articles of Confederation 188 

Acts of Massachusetts: 

of Cession 192, 415 

for Settlement of Controversy with New York 411 

Acts of New York: 

in regard to Boundary Monuments 5, 14, 24 

Reorganizing Commission, 1880 ^ 22, 139 

for running and marking the Line, 1785 2G, 69 

Appropriating money, etc 37 

Providing for additional Commissioners. 80 

of Confirmation, not passed 98 

Revised Statutes 98, 99 

Providing for Military Bounty Lands 112 

for preservation of Records of Holland Land Company. ..... 119 

to provide for settlement of Boundary, 1880 139 

of Cession of Western Lands ^ 181, 415, 438 

relating to re-snrvey of Boundary 212-215 

Appointing as:ents to settle Massachusetts Claim 410 

Inrrusiou (17'.t6) 433 

to finally settl'- Controversy with Connecticut 436 

Acts of Pennsylvania : 

in regard to Boundary Monuments 25, 153 

to appoint B Hindary C/ommissioners (1785) 26, 70 

Confirmiui: th B .undary (178;t) 97,130 

oro:anizing McK-ah and Warren County Line Commission.. 121 

relating to re-snrvey of Boundary 215-218 

to restore l-.imls to Connecticut Claimants 425 

for Confirmation of Connecticut titles 426 

Compensation to Pennsylvania Claimants 426 

to complete puccliase of Erie Lands 445, 451 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 58 



458 [Senatk 

Acts of United States: _ page. 

relating to survey of Allegany Indian Reservation i::i2 

Accepting Cession of New York , 193 

Appointing Commissioners in Controversy between Connecti- 
cut and Pennsylvania , 423 

Accepting Cession of Connecticut 428 

Acts of Virginia : 

Cession of Western Lands 187 

Adams, John, United States Minister 185, 186 

Adjustment, discussion of proper method 138 

Obstacles in the way of new 143 

Final, of Parallel Boundary ISi 

Methods of 156 

west of Milestone 208 156, 171 

Final, of Meridian Boundary 207, 20J> 

Adlum, John, surveys Drinker's Lands 102 

lays out an interfering Warrant 107 

appointed Deputy Surveyor 108 

runs the West line of Phelps andGorham's Purchase 108, 113 

foot-note relating to 108 

Extract from notes of. 113 

S. W. corner of Phelps and Gorham's Purchase fixed by.. . 115, 3i6 

Africa, J. Simpson, Secretary of Internal Affairs of Pennsylvania, 

initiates transfer of surveys to record books 107 

Agreement, Final, in Settlement of Boundary (1886) 24 

between Commissioners from Massachusetts and New York. 411 
between Imlians and Pennsylvania Commissioner- 446 

Albany, 31, 32, 43, 47, 56, 71. 72, '112, 203, 279, 289, 290, 313, 394, 421 

431, 450 

Prosperity of, in danger 45 

Gov. Hamilton claims North Boundary of Pennsylvania near 

latitude of 51, 53 

Treaty of, 1754 55, 445 

Piece of Eighth Latitude Stone in State Library at 91 

5-mile post in State Library at 205 

Maps in State Library at 390 et seq. 

Alexander, James: 

letter to Governor Hamilton 51 

Biographical foot-note 52 

Allegany County, N. Y 274, 275, 280' 

Early land surveys in > 114 

New monuments along 165-168, 173 

Descri|)tion of locations of new monuments along 239-244 

Angles and distances along 267 

County and Town corners 281 

Augustus Porter's survey along 316, 317 

Record of Holland Land Company's Surveys along 318-324 

Connecticut claim to lands in 429 et seq.. 

Allegany Indian Reservation , 455 

Survey of South line of 118 

U. S. Commission to re-survey 122 

New Monuments along 169, 2oO 



No. 71.] 459 

Alleganv Indian Eeservation — {Continued) : page. 

iron Monuments 250, 343, 348 

corner of -. 343 

surveyed by R. M. Stoddard 350 

Allegany Mountains 55, 181, 193 

Alleganv River.. ,74, 91, 93, 95, 109, 121, 122, 135, 244, 250, 276, 288 

384, 389, 440, 447 

Milestone on bank of 167, 244, 385 

a town line , 284 

Corn planter's Reservation on 454, 455 

Allegany Valley 128 

Allen, Etlian, in Pennsylvania 425 

Angular Deflections, Table of • 263-270 

Angular Points not marked with Monuments Iu3, 164, 235, 237 

Apalachiu Creek 229 

Flats, Correction Station on, 1786 88 

Valley 127, 132 

Appendix 211 el seq. 

Armstrong, William 99, 439 

Commissary for Pennsylvania Commissioners 81 

describes the Lake Erie country 95, 440 

Astronomical observations of Rittenhouse and Holland 64 

Instrument purchased by temporary line Commissioners. ... 71 

Instrument, Dr. Rittenhouse writes relative to 73 

observations, results of, 1787 82 

Results of observations 1786-87, Ellicott's letter detailing, 84-93 

observations, smoke affects accuracy of 85 

Instruments used by Ellicott , 94 

observations, stars used in 94 

observations of United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. . . 127 

results not exact 142 

parallel through Lawrenceville, etc 144 

Stations, Monuments for 154, 155, 221 

observations of Dr. Peters 37, 175, 278 

length of Meridian Boundary 209 

Stations (1877-79), detailed Schedule of 271-9 

results in 1877-79 271-9 

results at Lake Erie, variation in ... 279 

Athens, certified township of 110 

survey of 426 

Atherton, Phineas 104 

Atwater, Amzi, Survevor for Holland Land Companv 117, 118 

Austinburg, Astrononiical Station ..127, 133, 163, 164,165, 237, 266 

Detailed record of 274 

Bancker, Evert, Speaker of New York Assembly 181 

Gerard, Treasurer of New York 96, 415 

Bath, K.. Y., Land Office of Pulteney Estate at 113, 114 

Baylor, John B., Sub-Assist., U, S, Coast and Geodetic Survey, 271, 287 

Bear Lake 255 

Beattie, John, furnishes new Monuments 154 

Beech stump, " cut high for ye observation," 1774 65, 129, 299 



460 [Senate 

PAGE. 

Bennett Brook. 247, 838 

Bentley Creek 233, 273 

Beuton, Stei^hen, Jr., Surveyor for Holland Land Company. . . . 118 

Bingham ton, Indian Village on the site of 57, 8G, 87, 390, 400 

Bingham's Patent 58, 103 

Bingham, William, granted Warrants in Pennsylvania 109 

Estate of. Re-surveys 108, 109, 110, 115 

Delegate in Congress 442 

Bird Creek 234 

Black Brook 260, 378 

Blake, Francis, Jr., Assistant U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey/ 124 

Bly, New York State Survey Station 1 64 

Bolivar Brook 247, 336 

Boundaries, Meridian and Parallel. (/See Meridian Boundary «nc? 
Parallel Boundary.) 

Scientific, impossible 17, 141 

all East and West., Crooked 142 

Boundary, Indian, 1768 56, 57 

described in Revised Statutes of New York*. 98 

in Delaware River not defined 100, 101 

Early land surveys along 101 

Ex parte official Examinations along 119 

between English and French, suggested by William Penn... 176 
Boundary, Northern, of Pennsylvania: 

described in charter 7, 40 

- run in 1786-7 7 

Initial point fixed, 1774 7, 63 

found not to follow the parallel 9 

Monuments many of them lost 9 

Pennsylvania Commissioners desire its correction. 9, 13, 14§, 152 

History of 18 

accepted as Southern Boundary of New York 41 

exhibited on Early Maps 47, 390 et seq. 

described by Lords of Trade 49 

Lieut. -Governor Hamilton 50 

Governor Moore 57 

the Proprietaries - 60 

Action of New York Council in 1774 6 i 

necessary to be immediately ascertained 67 

Commission appointed to run temporary line 68 

permanent line provided for by New York 69 

new Commission appointed by Pennsylvania 70 

rough MaD of, by Palmer 75 

Survey of "1786-7 76 

referred to by Ellicott 87 

Military Land Warrants based upon 103 

finally established 438 

{See Parallel Boundary.) 

Boutelle, Capt. C. 0., reminiscence of Daniel Webster 150 

Boyle, John, a Pennsylvania Surveyor ... 102 

Bradford County, Penn 43, 173, 273. 2>-" 



No. 71.] 461 

Bradford County — ( Continued) : page. 

Warrants in, based on temporary State line 75 

Maclay's temporary line in 75 

Early 'land surveys in , 104, 107, 108 

Kose Estate in Ill 

N. Y. State Survey Station in 128, 277 

New Monuments aloncr IGO, 163 

Description of locations of 229-234 

Angles and Distances along 264, 265 

County and Town Corners 283 

Connecticut Townships in 424 

Bradford, William 104 

Brady, William R., Pennsylvania Deputy Surveyor : 

Surveys of, interfere with New York 109 

District of. 122 

Warrant line of, still plain 135 

Broadhead, John, Pennsvlvania Deputy Surveyor 108 

Brokenstraw, Bio-, Creek"! 255, 256, 368, 370 

Little, Creek 254, 365 

Broome County, N. Y. 112, 156, 173, 272, 400, 431 

East line of, part of '' Line of Property " 57 

Early land surveys iu 58, 73, 75, 102-106 

Early Surveys in, based on Palmer's line 73 

Hooper's location of Indian Boundary in 58 

Hooper's temporary line along 75 

Supervisors of three towns in, cause corners to be located. . . 123 

South East point of 128 

New Monuments along , , 157-159 

Description of locations of 224-229 

Angles and distances along 263 

County and Town Corners '. 280 

Geo. Palmer's Surveys along 304, 305 

Lands in, ceded to Massachusetts 411 

Connecticut claims to land in 429 

Bull, William H., strikes random line of 1787 89 

Surveyor upon Phelps and Gorham's Purchase 114 

Burke, Edmund 185 

Burt, Astronomical Station, 127, 128, 133, 143, 161, 162, 163, 233, 265 

Detailed Kecord of 273 

Butler, Richard, Commissioner to purchase Lake Erie Lands, 197, 445 

Indian Deed to 448, 450 

Canada Boundary 16, 17, 185 

Canan, John, Pennsylvania Deputy Surveyor 109 

Canoes, Commissioners obliged to make 92 

Carroll, Charles \ .... 114 

Cary, Ebenezer, a Surveyor for Holland Land Company. ... 118, 387 

Carpenter's Military Location 102, 111, 125, 128, 131 

Cascade Creek 305 

Valley 157, 225 

Cattaraugus County, N. Y 9, 122, 173, 275, 280 

Section of Boundary adjacent to, omitted in 1878 8, 127 



462 [Senate 

Cattaraugus County — ( Continued) : vaqe. 

Early land Surveys in llG-1 1 9 

Brady's District In Pennsylvania along 119 

New Monuments along 167-] 71 

Description of locations of 244-251 

Angles and distances along 2G7, 268 

County and Town Corners 282 

Record of Holland Land Company's Surveys along 324-350 

Connecticut claim to lands in 429 

Ceres. Astronomical Station 127, 165, 167, 168, 243, 267 

Detailed llecord of 275 

Village of, church in lo5, 167, 243 

line through mills in 144 

Cerestown 386 

Cession, Line of, {See Meridian Boundary.) 
Chapin, Gen. Israel, represents Phelps and Gorham upon Sur- 
vey of Meridian Boundary 198 

Chautauqua County, N. Y 39, 92, 121, 123, 278, 280 

Early land Surveys in 118 

Interference of Pennsylvania Donation Lands in 120 

Hinckley's reconnaissance of Boundary along , . . . 120, 204 

State Line tree 136 

Discrepancy in distance along , 136 

New Monuments along 169-173, 209 

^ Survey of Meridian Boundary along 203 

Description of locations of new Monuments along (Parallel 

Boundary) 251-258 

Description of locations of new Monuments along (Meridian 

Boundary) 258-262 

Angles and distances along 269. 270 

County and Town Corners 282, 285 

Record of Holland Land Company's Surveys along 350-383 

Connecticut claims to lands in 429 et scq, 

Chautauqua Lake 392, 396, 439 

' Signification of name- 197 

mentioned in Indian treaty 447 

Chemung County, N. Y 173, 273, 280 

Early land Surveys in 112 

New Monuments along 161-163 

Description of locations of 232-234 

Angles and distances along 265 

County and Town Corners 281 

Lands in, ceded to Massachusetts 411 

Connecticut claims to lands in 429 et seq. 

Chemung Flats 75 

New Monuments upon 154, 161, 232 

Chemung River, Correction Station on bank of (1786) 88 

Surveys near 110, 112 

Monuments on bank of 133, 154, 161, 232 

a County Boundary 281 

Chemung, Town of, laid out 112 

Field book referred to 112 



:no. 71.] 4*)^ 

PAGE. 

Chenango, Indian Village 57, 86, 87, 401 

Cherry stump identified by Mr. Hinckley. 137, 172, 257, 371 

Chipmunk Hun 246 

Choconut, Creek 228 

Indian Village 57 

Clark, Astronomical Station ^ . . . 127, 145, 172, 2U4, 257 269 

Detailed Eecord of 278 

Olarke, H. Wadsworth, appointed Surveyor on part of New York, 7 

9, 37, 28G 

requested to take entire charge of Field-work 8 

Keports referred to 9, 11, 12, 20, 39, 140 

Preliminary letter of. Surveyor 31 

attends meeting at Initial Point , 124 

letter upon policy of re-adjustment of the Boundary ]43 

Instructions to ^19 

Certificate to Schedule of Monuments 262 

Clifton Springs, N. Y,, Joint Boundary Commission meets at. . . 8 
Clinton, Gt-orge. Governor of Province of New York : 

describes the Boundaries of the Province 46 

transmits Gov. Hamilton's letter. 50 

communicates action of New York Council to Gov. Hamil- 
ton .... 53 

Clinton, George, Governor of State of New York 18 

transmits act providin'g for a permanent line 69 

announces the appointment of Commissioners 71 

announces claim of Massachusetts 409 

announces settlement of controversv 414 

Clinton, James ' 19, 'Z6, 83, 94, 97, 99 

Biographical foot-note 71 

appointed Boundary Commissioner , .... 1 8, 71 

surveys Hooper's 2, 000- Acre tract 73, 102 

sis:ns report of Survey of 1786 77 

Bill of expanses 78 

Commissioner to allot " Town of Chemung" 112 

Coast Survey, etc. {See United States.) 

Cochran, John, examines interference of Donation Lands.... 74, 120 

finds no mile-posts . 118 

return of the survey - 1 20 

gives distance between ^'Corner " and 225-mile point, 172, 202, 258 
Colden, Cadwallader, Surveyor-General of New York : 

describes Boundaries of New Yoriv. . . .46, 49 
Governor of New Y'ork, letter relative to joint action of Colo- 
nies, 1774 62 

transmits action of New York Council to Pennsylvania 63 

reports results of Rittenhouse and Holland at Initial Point. , GH 

Columbia, District of, Surveyed by Andrew Ellicott; . . .'. 94 

Commissioners, Boundary. (See Joint Boundary Commission; 
also New York, cmd Pennsylvania.) 

Compass used upon Survev of 1786-7 85 

Conewango River, 74, 91, 92", 95, 110, 194, 197, 252, 351, 439, 440, 447, 450 

a town line 282 



464 [SENATJi 

PAGE^ 

Conewango Swamp 35^ 

Valley, discrepancy in distance across 136 

New Monuments in 252 

Confederation, Articles of. Discussion over 178 et seq. 

Act to facilitate completion of 18i 

Congress. {See United States.) 

Connecticut, Boundary line settled 15, 20 

Simmons' opinion on Boundary question , 146 

requested to release Western Lands 190 

Cedes lands West of New York 193 

Western Reserve of 193, 424, 428 

Claim to lands in Pennsylvania 417-428 

Charter of 418, 427, 429 

Petition to General Assembly of, for grant of lands in Penn- 
sylvania 41& 

organizes a town and County in Pennsylvania 422 

townships in Pennsylvania 424 

offers to cede lands in United States 427 

final act of Cession . 428 

Gore in New York 429-437 

opinions of lawyers on claims of 430 

conveys land in New York 431 

Land Company organized 432. 

, Claimants bring suits of ejectment 434 

Legislature appoints Commissioners to negotiate with New 

Y^ork 435 

Land Company petitions New York Legislature 437 

Cook, Moses B., a surveyor 104 

Coon Brook 242, 323 

Cooper, William 105, 106, 114 

Cornell, Alonzo B., Governor of New York, transmits documents 

to Governor of Pennsylvania 152 

''Corner," South West, of New York, original Monument at 99 

maple post at 118, 203, 370 

Cochran's location of 120, 202, 258 

Boundary near 127, 136 

distance to 138, 204 

New Monuments at 155, 172, 207, 220, 258, 262, 285 

end of Twelfth Section 171 

Stone at 203. 

variation of Meridian Boundary at 208 

angle at 269 

Latitude of 277 

Corners of Counties and Towns 2t;0-285 

Cornplanter favors the object of Boundary Surveyors 92 

and other chiefs Deed to United States "'. 197 

Deed to Pennsylvania, of Erie lands 448 

Grant of land to, recommended 449 

and other chiefs quit-claim to Pennsylvania 454 

Biographical sketch 454 

Reservation 455 



ISTo. 71.] 465 

Corn planter — ( Continued) : page. 

monument to, described . . . . ; 455 

Correspondence, relative to rectification of the Boundary. 9, 14, 141, 152 

relative to (jondition of the Boundary 38 

relative to Ellicott's papers 83, 198, 451 

Corydon, Astronomical Station 128, "135, 168, 1C9, 171, 250, 267 

Detailed Eecord of 275 

County and Town Corners, Schedule of 280, 285 

Cowanesqua Eiver 91, 127, 285, 238, 274 

Surveys along 108 

Flats, line across 89, 106, 107, 133 

Coxe's Manor located '. 58 

Coxe, Tench, letter to Gov. Mifflin 196, 449 

Crandall Creek 241, 317 

Crosby, Wm. A., courtesy acknowledged 32 

re-surveys town lines of Potter County 123 

Crothers, Anthony, Pennsvlvauia Deputy Surveyor 102, 107, 312 

Cryder Creek . . /. " '. -. 240, 316 

Davis, Thomas, comes to random line of 1787 90 

Surveyor upon Phelps and Gorham Purchase 113 

Deep Hollow Creek 225 

Deer Lick Creek 254, 365 

Deflections, Angular, Table of 263-270 

Delaware County, N. Y 124, 173 

Station Travis in 127, 271 

New Monuments in 158, 224 

Delaware River, the boundary of 280 

Delaware River. 3, 5, 7, 19, 26, 39, 40, 41, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 59, 62 

67, 73,84, 98, 107, 174, 220, 263, 291, 390, 403, 407, 412 

Boundary line in, fixed (1885) 25 

Western limit of New York 40, 46, 185, 429 

Fort upon 43 

part of Indian Boundary, 1768 „ 57 

Initial Point on, fixed, 1774 63 

Rittenhouse and Palmer's survey of Qb, 292 

Commissioners commence survey at, 1786 77 

Note of revisers of New York Statutes upon 100 

Location of various boundaries along 101 

Boundary fixed in, between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. . 101 

appearance at Initial Point ] 24 

original flats at 128 

floods in 129, 130 

New Initial Monument at 154, 220, 222, 224 

distance of Station Travis from 263, 271 

a County Boundary 280 

Palmer's traverse of 292-303 

Journal up, by George Palmer - 303 

Drake and Delong reach 307 

Field notes of Warrants on 312 

a Charter Boundary 403 

Winthrop builds a fort upon 419 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 59 



466 [Senate 

Delaware Eiver — ( Continned) : page. 

Connecticut purchase on .... .' 4^0 

Delaware Tract , 102 

Yellow birch tree. South East corner of 1:>5, 131 

Delong. John, Journal up Susquehanna and across to Delaware. . 308 
Depew, Cliauncey M., Commissioner for New York, .5, 6, 23, 39, 286 

signs Final Agreement 29 

Deposit, N. Y 1U5, 129, 224, 400 

results for magnetic declination at 126 

Dewees, William 107 

Dewey, James, a Surveyor for Holland Land Company 118 

De Witt, Charles, letter of 400 

Do Witt, Moses, additional Surveyor 79 

surveyed Military locations in Chemung and Tioga Counties. Ill 

foot-note relative to Ill 

Surveyor of Town of Chemung 112 

De Witt, Simeon 19, 26, 72, 94, 97, 99 

Biographical foot-note 80 

appointed Boundary Commissioner 18, 71 

signs report of Survey of 1786 77 

transmits report to Gov. Clinton 77 

transmits bill of expen.'ses 78 

inability to act, 1787 80 

takes a picture of an Indian Maiden S6, 88 

reports upon deficiencies in patents 105 

, note on variation of the needle 106 

certifies to Ellieott's Survey of new Pre-emption Line 416 

Dexter, Stephen, a Surveyor 103 

"Diary of Operations" (contains detailed record of all original 

Monuments found) 28, 32 

Dickinson, Governor, of Pennsylvania 18, 69, 72, 78 

transmits action of General Assembly 68 

announces names of new Commissioners 70 

directs Commissioners to proceed to Virginia line 72 

Disks used for underground marks .220, 223 

Distances along Boundary, Table of 263-270 

Documents, official, of the Commission filed 29 

accompanying Surveyor's Eeport 33 

previous reports published in 37, 39 

Donation Lands, Pennsylvania, surveyed by David Watts 74 

Map and Boundaries of 74 

encroach on New York territorv 74 

referred to ". 110, 120, 202, 258 

Dongan, Governor, Thomas, reports on encroachments of the 

Penns 41, 43 

superst^ded by Andros 44 

Douglass Military Location Ill 

old Monument on 132, 160, 231 

Douglass, William, Historian, describes boundaries of New York. 47 

criticises maps of the Colonies 398 

Drake, William, Journal up Susquehanna and across to Delaware. 308 
Drinker's Starrucca Tract 102, 107 



N"o. 71.] 467 

PAGE. 

Duane, James, Delegate from New York 27, 410 

aiinotmces action of Maryland 188, 410 

Dudley Observatory 38 

Duell's, Cass, " shanties " 248 

Dutch m New Netherland 17G, 402, 419 

Edgar, Patent 103 

Tract, deficiency in 103, 105 

Ellice, Sir Edward .' : 114 

Tract, Monument at Corner of 239 

Ellicott, Andrew. ..12, 19, 26, 77, 97, 98, 99, 100, 204. 209, 279, 317 

439 

Biographical foot-note 194 

Commissioner on Pennsylvania and VirginiaBoundary . 19, 72, 76 

appointed Commissioner on New York Boundary 76 

signs report of Survey of 1786 77 

letter upon preparations for 1787 80 

draws on Dr. Rittenhouse for funds 81 

signs report of 1787 81 

proposes to arninge his notes for Pennsylvania 83 

his papers not to be found 83, 198 

letter to Robert Patterson 77, 84, 201 

letter to his wife 85 

reports progress from Conewango 91 

laid ont village of ^yl^•ren, Pennsylvania 92 

and Porter announce completion of Survey 93 

surveys District of Columbia 94 

invents U S. System of land Surveys 116 

appointed deputy Geographer of the United States 194 

states difficulties in way of Survey 195 

asks for funds ., 196 

appointed Surveyor by President Washington 197 

asks for surveying instruments 197 

letter to Governor Mifflin 197 

Correspondence relative to papers of 19S, 451 

sets out to survey Line of Cession 198 

letter to President Washington. . , 198 

not allowed to make observations on British territory 199 

Gen. Stuart's sketch of 201 

runs the Meridian 201 

describing instruments used 94, 201 

announces completion of survey 202 

payments ibr surveying 202 

transit owned by 416 

surveys Pre-emption line 416 

asked for opinion on Erie country 444 

appointed to Survey the Erie lands 450 

Ellicott, Benjamin, runs Eastern Transit Meridian 116 

accompanies Andrew Ellicott to Niagara 198 

runs New Pre-emption line 416 

makes a Map of Erie Lands 446 



■168 [Senate 

PAGE. 

Ellicott, Joseph, Chief Surveyor for the Holland Land Company. 115 

119, 203, 315, 417 

adopts system of Surveys now used by the United States 116 

accompanies Andrew Ellicott to Niagara 198 

Ellis, A. R., old Surveyor of Broome County 159 

Ellis, William, Pennsylvania Deputy Surveyor 108, 109 

Elkland, Pennsylvania 91, 236 

Ehnira, longitude of, determined 38 

greatest variation South of 89, 133 

Station Burt South East of 127 

irregular Curve South of . , 162 

Erie County, Penn • 93, 276, 280 

Donation Land Surveys in 74, 110, 120, 202 

recent surveys of Town lines in 123 

New Monuments along 172-3, 209 

Samuel Nicholson subdivides Erie Triangle in 202 

Description of the locations of new Monuments along . . .256-262 

Angles and distances along 269-270 

County and Town Corners 284-285 

History of the Erie Triangle 438 et seq. 

Erie, Lake. {See Lake Erie.) 

Erie Triangle, divided into Warrants 202 

Historical Sketch , . , .438 et seq. 

Estimate of expense of purchase , 440, 444 

Treaty with Indians for. 446 

price i^aid for , , . , 452 

Fan-tail Corner 132, 158, 226 

Fatzinger, Jacob, Jr., papers of, deposited witli Historical Society 

of Pennsylvania 32, 65, 73, 75, 291 

Field Notes of George Palmer 73, 292 et seq. 

of Ellicott not to be found 83, 198, 451 

of William Macclure 105 

of Deputy Surveyors not returned 106 

of Bingham estate Ill 

of Zephon Flower 114, 160 

of Holland Land Company's Surveys 119, 313, 316 et seq-. 

lack of, quite embarrassing 156 

of re-survev of Keating Estate 384 et seq. 

Finn, Astronomical Station 127, 132, 145, 158, 227, 264 

Detailed Eecord of , 272 

Finn James 272 

Fish, Nicholas ... 105 

Fletcher, Benjamin, Commissioned Governor of "^qw York, etc. . 48 

Flower, Zephon, Surveys Banyar Tract 114 

extract from notes of 114 

Papers of, in possession of his grandson 160 

Floyd, Nicol 105 

Foote, E. T., letter of reminiscences of Ellicott 92 

refers to " state line tree." 136, 170 

Fort Harmar , 446, 454 



No. 71.] 469 

PAGE. 

Fort Herkimer, treaty of 104 

Fort Niagara 195, 393, 448 

Andrew Ellicott at 198, 199 

Fort Stanwix, Treaty of 55, 58, 405 

Error in treaty 59 

second treat} of 448 

Foulke, William, a Surveyor 10^ 

French Creek 95, 357, 258, 260, 282, 376, 378, 440 

Flats, Correction Station on, 1787 93 

Gardiner, James T., Director New York State Survey » 124 

Letter of, to Chancellor Pierson 141 

Genesee, Little, Creek 243, 323, 387 

Genesee Eivei 91, 113, 127, 200, 240, 2'<4. 316, 317, 415, 455 

Genesee Valley Astronomical Sta.,127, 133, 134, 164, 165, 166,240, 267 
Detailed Record of 274 

Gere, Christophei M., Commissioner for Pennsylvania, 6, 26, 28,39, 286 

appointed Surveyor for Pennsylvania 7 

retires from field duty 8 

signs Final Agreement 29 

concurs in Surveyor's Final Report 53 

present at Initial Point, 1877 124, 125 

locates site of Milestone 21 132, 159 

Instructions to 219 

Gibson, Gen. John, Commissioner to purchase Erie lands from 

Iixdians 197, 445 

Indian Deed to 448, 450 

Gore, Connecticut 329 ct seq. 

(See Connecticut.) 

Graj, William, continues Palmer's line West 74 

appointed Deputy Surveyor 107 

Hale's Eddy, ISJ. Y .5, 224, 271, 286 

Commissioners meet at 7 

separate at - 125 

Haisey and Ward purchase Connecticut Gore 431 

organize a land company 432 

Hambden, Township of. New York 105 

Hamilton College, Trustees, detail Dr Peters for Astronomical 

work upon the Boundary 175 

Hamilton, James, Lieut.-Governor of Penn.42, 49, 291, 390, 394, 421 

letter claiming Boundary in latitude of Albany 50 

reports Johnson's intended location on the Susquehanna. ... 52 

describes the Boundaries of Pennsylvania 52 

Report ot New York Committee on letter of 53 

Hamlin, A. D., County Line Commissioner and Surveyoi, Penn .. 121 

Hammond. Abijah • 105 

Hancock, N. Y., Commissioners meet at 124 

Hardenbergh, Abraham 19, 2ii, 94, 98, 99, 100 

Boundary Commissioner in place ot James Clinton 77, 80 

Surveyor in 1786 78 



470 [Senate. 

Hardenbergh, Abraham — {Continued) : page. 

signs report of Survey, 1787 i < < « < i • • , * 81 

letter from, to Gov. Clinton 81 

Hare Creek ." 251, 375 

Harrisburg, Penn 9, 39, 286, 288 

Land Office in 31,32, 106, 107, 120, 203, 206 

Harrisburg Run 2-lG, 332 

Harrison, Gen. Wm. H 116 

Harriss, John Adolphus, Lieut.-Colonel commanding at Fort 

Niagara 199, 201 

refuses EUicott permission 199 

Heise, David, furnishes Extracts from Tioga County Kecords. . . , 123 

Herrick Run 257, 374 

Highway Monuments described 220, 222 

Hinckley, Otis D., courtesy acknowledged 32 

reconnaissance of Boundary adjoining Chautauqua County. . 120 

interested in the present Survey 123 

locates points from original witnesses 126, 139 

locates point for Prendergast's Monument .... 170 

identifies points on Meridian Boundary 204 

his notes referred to, 171, 251, 253, 255, 347, 350, 351, 355, 356 

357, 358, 361, 362, 371, 372,. 373, 377 

Holden Creek 237 

Holland, Edward 53 

HpUand Land Company, surveys of, commenced 74, 113 

purchases large tract from Robert Morris 115, 417 

-- Joseph ElHcott, Surveyor for 115, 119 

Surveys of lands of 116 

South-east Corner Monument 116, 134 

Field Notes and Records in Albany 119^ 313, 417 

Corners in 134, 135, 169, 172, 173 

Monuments 137, 166 

Surveyor locates Milestone 153 167 

Discrepancies in field-notes of 118, 168, 3-14, 345 

Mile posts on Boundary 170, 171, 209, 261 

Map of Meridian Boundary , 202 

Extracts from Field books and Records of Surveys 313-383 

Holland, Samuel ... .19, 26, 65, 66, 73, 84, 97, 99, 124, 129, 130, 304 

appointed Commissioner for New York, 1774 18, 63, 100 

signs report upon Liitial Monument at Delaware 64 

allowance for Services 67 

Maps bv 198, 400 

Honeoye Creek 116, 317, 3-.'0 

Correction Station near, 1787 90 

Crooked line across valley of 134- 

New Monuments upon flats of 242 

Hooper, Robert Lettis, runs the Indian cession line, 1774 5'8, 103 

locates Military Land Warrants 59, 75, 100 

temporary line in Bradford County, Pennsylvania 75, 104 

takes conveyances of lands laid out by himself 104 

line showu on map 401 

Hooper's 2000- Acre Tract 73, 102, 103, 226 



]N"o. 71.] 471 

PAGE. 

Hooper, Wilson and Bingham's Patent 103, 411 

Hoops, Adam, record of Survey of Phelps and Gorham's Purchase, 113 

a member of General iSuHivau's staflt" , 113 

Surveyor for Robert Morris 415 

Hornby, John, lands of ,. H4 

Horse Run ... 242, 321 

Horses, failure and death of 91 

Hoyt, Henry M., Governor of Pennsylvania, quoted relative to 

Penn's claim north of 42° 55 

Message to Pennsylvania Legislature 153 

Account of Pennsylvania's Controversy with Connecticut. .. 422 

Conclusions upon the subject 428 

Hulbert, Christopher, a Surveyor 114 

Hulce, Martial R 32 

Macclure's papers in possession of 105 

Results of observation for declination by 126 

Letter from, on position of Initial Point 129 

a native of D -posit, New York 129 

can show position of Meridian mark at Station Travis :;i24 

Hunter, James, Pennsylvania Deputy Surveyor 109 

Hutching, Thomas, Geographer General of the United States. 194, 198 

foot-note upon 196 

Commissioner to run Massachusetts Boundary 411 

Indian Creek 109, 245, 329, 331, 386 

Indian Treaty of 1 768 55 

Boundary of 1768 57 

Deed to the Proprietaries of Pennsylvania 49, 58 

title to lands soutli of Hooper's line extinguished, 1786, . 58, 59 
title to remainder of Pennsylvania extinguished, 1784 . . .67, 448 

delegates to be present when temporary line is run 68 

families at Chenango visit the Commissioners 86, 87 

Maiden, picture taken bv Simeon DeWitt 86, 88 

Purchase of 1785 (N"e\v York) laid out 104, 105 

Purchase of 1784 (Pennsylvania), surveys m 106 

Deed of Erie Triangle 197 

Deed of lands along the Lakes 406 

title to Phelps and Gorham's Purchase extinguished 415 

Deed to Susquehanna Company 421 

Treaty of Fort Harmar 446 

Indians, letter of, to Governors Effingham and Dongan 42 

Penn charged with diverting trade with 45 

proposed purchase from, by Pennsylvania 54 

dissatisfied with Hooper's location of their boundary in 1774, 58 

expect presents 81 

object to a continuance of the Survey 92 

pacified with rum and tobacco 93 

a formidable enemy to the Colonies 179 

under protection of England 190 

in the waj- ot a survey of the Line of Cession 195 

aestroy monuments ...... 204 



472 [Senate 

Indians — ( Continued) : page. 

Resolutions to quiet the 414 

stipulate with the Proprietaries not to sell 4'^1 

Treaty with, for purchase of Erie* lands recommended. .443. 446 

Initial Point, on Delaware River," fixed^ 1774 63, 69 

Palmer at, in 1784 73 

Joint Commissioners meet at, 1877 124 

Station Travis at 127 

probable position of 128 

New monument at 154, 155, 157, 224 

Surveys for sketch of 174 

Beech stump cut for observation at .... 65, 129, 299 

Ingoldsby, Richard, Governor, address upon the encroachments 

of Pennsylvania 44 

Instructions to Surveyors, 1883 219 

James, Robert, a Surveyor upon Phelps and Gorham's Purchase 113 
finds stake in random line of 1787 90 

Jay, John, Secretary, letter to Governor Clinton 197 

Governor of New York, announces purciiase of Connecticut 

Gore to Legislature 432 

Proclamation of 433 

Jenkins, John, surveys Township of Athens 110, 426 

Johnson, Guy, Map of Indian Boundary by 57 

. reports dissatisfaction of Indians over location of boundaries. 59 

Map by, referred to - 86 

Map by, described 398 

Johnson, Sir William 58 

location of land by, upon the Susquehanna objected to 50 

•equested to prevent purchases by Penn., from Indians. . .54, 56 
present at Fort Stanwix, 1768 56 

Johnston, James, a Pennsylvania Deputy Surveyor 109 

Joint Boundary Commission, 1877.. ..24, 33, 127, 140, 152, 153, 286 

organizes at New York 6, 39 

Resolutions of, directing reconnaissance 6 

meets at Initial Point 7 

meets at Clifton Springs 8 

meets at Hancock 124 

discusses proper method of adjustment 9-22, 138 et seq. 

concludes upon course to be taken 154 

meets at Syracuse, N. Y 219 

Jones Creek 229, 272 

Keating Estate, surveys of ill, 384-9 

reterred to 167 

Kian tone Creek 357 

Correction Station, 1787, on bank of 91 

King, Krancis, Surveys of Ill, 3n4 

finds Milestone 153 out of place 167, 385 

King, Robert, courtesy acknowledged 32 

furnishes Sketch of Boundary along McKean County 1<!1 

furnishes Keating records 384 



I 



No, 71.] 473 

i:S=s'cr^eL''"""'^ ^'"^ Co».i.io„er .7,^^ 

245, 331 

K'ew Monument at ^■^^' '^'^'^' ^^0, 453 

old Monument at. .'.'.'.[ ^^' ^^^^ ^W, 258 

Astronomical observations near ^^' ^^'^' ^^'^' ^^^ 

Survey of 1787 terminates at.. J,* * n^,' ^^^ 

Unu^l States Lake Survey, resuYts at! .' .* .' .' .' ^'' ^^' ,2^ 

betli Pease's traverse of . . '^'^ 

Triangle 318 

Lakp On tario. (See Ontario ") ^^^ ^'^ ''^^^ 

Latitude Stones at original Correction Stations. . n. 

■ Lawrence, Kobert (^^^ Monuments.) 

Lawreacevme, Asfrcmonji^S^,.^ H. 

Law^'^'cr t?' f ""^^ intersects iotVin Vinag;*of: ! ! . ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ?It 

"^"^^gri^l^af ilr^me^t"^"^^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^-^--^^ ^3, 39, .86 
Leete^s Island, granite Monuments from'. -, ^? 

'"t&J^uZllistr^'^^^^^^'^^^^^^I- H2 ' 

- J inTol P ''^ ''I Connecticut ciaimanis'.: ::;;:; Vol 

J^ine of Property " described ^^^ 

T-. i""]?",?^^- ^- Hooper in 1774;;: 51 

i^itchfield Observatory ^^ 

Little Genesee Creek ^^ 

Little Meadows, Coniction siiiiVn near' '1786 "^^^^ ^^^' ^ol 

Astronomical Station. 1071 o., 1 -a' \ ;.;• * ' \ ^^ 

J>etailed Record of" ^^ ' ^' ^'^' ^^^' ^^^' ^-9' ^^4 

Lockhart, Josiah 272 

Loup's Cret'k. 106, 107 

^'1nsi,S"'T^r"^T^'^^^^^ 

HistuKts R.lm.M- to layout Warrants.. ' it 

^^^witm::*^! ^h'ir- Morriswisheshim'prosec;uted.V. 54" So 

witness belore Council at Trenton ' .? 

54 

^''p'ln'J^' ;'"""', '''T^' ^^"'^« "^ I^'-oon^e County.. . . 1,0 

Papers ot, 1,1 hands of M. R. Hulce in 

Macla7'w,1hH» ^'r,"'''""«'^« "^ P'^tents in Ti'oga'CountV. *'.'.'. 105* i?o 
I^n'o:;:: xZ 1^^ '^^ Bn^lfoi-d-and Tioga C^u^t^;; 75! Ve, 106 



474 [Senate. 

Maclay, William {Contimied) : pagk. 

Senator from Peunsylvauia , , 107 

temporary line referred to . . ArZQ 

Macomb, Gen. Alexander 105 

Madison, James 177, 185 

Mahoning Creek 74 

Maps, Boundary, referred to.. 21, 28, 29, 31, d-i, 64, 81, 124, 202, 221 

Earlv, showing boundaries of Provinces 47, 390-401 

Mitchell's 47, 390, 406 

Evans', of 1719 48, 399 

Guy Johnson's 57, 86, 398 

Peter S. Du Ponceau, a great collector of 84 

Marks upon Witness trees 313, 324 

Maryland refuses to sign Articles 178 

requested by Congress to ratify 187 

delegates instructed to subscribe to Articles 188 

delegates subscribe 190 

Mason and Dixon's Line 49, 65, 83, 85 

Massachusetts, disputed boundary between Rhode Island and. 16, 20 

Decisions upon boundary between Rhode Island and 149 

Charter claim of 177, 186 

passes act of Cession 192, 193, 415 

claim to New YorJi Territory 402-417 

Charter 402, 404 

Maxwell, Hugh, Surveys township lines in Phelps and Gorham's 

Purchase 112 

McKean County, Pennsylvania 55, 280 

Section of Boundary adjacent to, omitted in 18T8 8, 9, 127 

Early Land Surveys in 109 

Bingham Estate Surveys in 110 

Keating Estate Surveys in Ill, 384-9 

and Warren County Line Commission 110, 121, 135, 169 

Xew Monuments along 166-9, 174 

Description of locations of new Monuments along 242-9 

Angles and distances along ^67-8 

County and Town Corners 284 

Connecticut Townships in 421 

Meek's Creek 245, 328, 386 

Meridian Boundary, Deed of Cession 27, 189 

fixed in Final Agreement 27 

Latitude observation at 37, 38 

Monument at Lake Erie, 1869 39 

Ellicott's notes of, probably destroyed 84 

expected to pass near Milestone 190 99, 439 

Note on, by revisers of New York Statutes 100 

re-surveyed by James Smedley 118 

Reconnaissance of, by 0. D. Hinckley 120, 204 

Reconnaissance of, in 1878 (H. W. Clarke) 127, 204 

New terminal monument in 154, 262 

setting new monuments on 155, 207 

New monument at South End of 1 72 

Number of new monuments along 174, 209 



No. 71.] 4Y5 

Meridian Boundary — ( Continued ).' page. 

Historical Sketch of 175 et seq. 

alternative lines of Cession proposed 183 

location of line of Cession unknown 192 

Ellicott appointed to Survey 194, 197, 450 

Original surveys 198 

run by Andrew Ellicott 201 

Expense of Survey 202 

Original Monuments on 202 

Mile-posts on 202, 204 

Map of ;^02 

initial monument 203, 205, 380, 382 

length of 202, 203, 204, 205, 209 

Judge Peacock thinks initial monument broken down by 

Indians 204 

new initial monument 205, 258 

Soutli end of, irregular , 209 

Description of new monuments along 258 

Schedule of new monuments along 258-2G2 

Table of distances along 270 

various latitudes of Initial Monument 279 

Seth Pease finds Lake Erie Monument broken in pieces 317 

Eecords of Holland Land Company's Surveys along 362-383 

Massachusetts claim, a part of history of 402 

West line of lands ceded by New York to Massachusetts.. . , 415 

Erroneous ideas of location of 439 

Congress asked to cause survey to be made 441 

not yet run 445 

Meridian, observations for, by John Adlum 113 

at Astronomical Stations 128 

marked by Monuments. . . .159, 160, 172, 227, 229, 233, 276 

observations for, on Meridian Boundary 207, 208 

mark at Station Travis -?24 

Mr. Lukens, used by George Palmer 292 

observations for, by Seth Pease .... 318 

{See Transit.) 

Mifflin, Governor, letter to, from Tench Coxe 196 

ready to close contract for Erie lands 452 

Milestones, described 222 

{See Monuments.) 

Mitchell, Dr. John, map published by 47, 49, 390, 399, 406 

foot-note referring to 47 

Mix, David E. E., in possession of Field Notes of Holland Land 

Company 119, 313 

Monument Island 64, 99, 124, 130 

Monuments designated in Final Agreement 27-28 

perishable, have served for nearly a centurv 30 

Original Initial, at Lake Erie ". 37, 317, 380 

New, at Lake Erie 39, 206 

Original, described 96 

peculiar forms of original 97 

Initial, on Delaware, undermined 1 29 



476 [Senate 

Monuments — [Contijiued) : page. 

site 01, at Delaware River < i 130 

Original, found 133 

old, " State line Stone " 133, 159, 228 

Number of original 137 

New, described 154, 233, 223, 258 

first one set 154 

Large Initial and Terminal 154 

Isew, set, in detail 157-174 

total number 173, 174 

Original, on Meridian Boundary 202 

New, on Meridian Boundary 207 

described in Instructions 220 

manner of setting of new 2.'3 

Description of locations of new 224-2(52 

Monument to Cornplanter 455 

Montgomery, James, Commissioner of Pennsylvania to run tem- 
porary line 67 

superseded 71 

Montgomery, William, Commissioner, to run temporary line. . . 67 
declines 67 

Moore, Henry, Governor of New York, letter describing Indian 

Boundary, 1768, as North Boundary of Pennsylvania... 57 

More, William, Supervisor, letter referring to Milestone 89 162 

Morris, Governor (Pennsylvania), proposes to purchase lands of 

Indians. 54 

wishes Lydius prosecuted 54 

Morris Reserve, Survey of South end of 115, 316 

divided into Ranges 417 

Morris, Robert, purchases tract in Broome county 105 

Warrants of, in Pennsylvania 108, 109 

required surveyor's field notes to be returned 110 

purchases Phelps and Gorham's lands. 113, 415 

purchases remainder of territory in New York 115, 416 

conveys it to Holland Land Company 115, 417 

retains " Reserve" 417 

Morris, William W 19, 26, 94, 95, 98, 100, 440 

Commissioner in place of Simeon De Witt 77, 80 

signs Report of Survey of 1787 81 

letter of Hardenbergh'and, to Gov. Clinton — 81 

Murray, David, Secretary of Joint Commission 221, 286 

Names of Commissioners and persons upon Boundary Survey. .286-87 

of persons employed in 1786 79 

Neversink River 99, 299 

New Jersey, 23, 25, 29, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 52, 292, 390 et seq., 423 

4:29 

Boundary Monuments 5, 25 

New York Commissioners to act with Commissioners from, 22, 139 

Release of Province of 40 

Line in Delaware River between Pennsylvania and K'l 

new Monuments furnished by John Beattie 154 



No. 71.] 477 

New Jersey — ( Continued) : page. 

Boundary, party encraged upon 155 

Delegates from, remonstrate ll^l 

New :Netherland 1?6, 391 

described by Vander Donck 403 

New York . . .9, 15, 18, 19, 33, 53, 76, 77, 95, 96, 101, 133, 146, 194 

196, 201, 439, 449 

Boundary Committee, 1877 5, 39 

Boundary Commissioners, 1881 23 

represented in Joint Commission 6 

H. W. Clarke appointed Surveyor for 7 

Commissioners opposed to change in Boundary 9, 14, 20 

Policy of. regarding Boundaries 14 

State Survey to locate monuments 21 

Reorganization of Commission 22 

Boundary fixed in final agreement 24 

Charter to Duke of York. 40, 403 

Soutli Boundary of 41, 45 

Politicians referred to by Douglass 47 

Boundaries of province described 46, 47, 404, 429 

Boundaries Exhibited on Early Maps 47, 390 et seq. 

consents to meeting with Indians 54 

Governor of, expects claim to 48° renewed 56 

action of Council on Governor Penn's letter, 1774 62 

Council provides for fixing line at the Delaware 63 

Legislature passes an act for marking a permanent line 69 

Boundary Commissioners appointed (1785) 71 

Revised Statutes of, error in 99 

Early land surveys in 102-106, 111-119 

South West Corner of, 120, 127, 138, 171, 172, 173, 203, 204, 257 

258, 262, 270, 276 

Commissioners report to Regents 139 

Commissioners undertake entire charge 153 

without a fixed Western Boundary 175 

a Dutch Province 176 

Indians dependents of 177, 185, 190, 406 

Legislature instructs delegates 183 

Delegates from, sign declaration . . .■ 188 

execute deed of Cession 189 

Laws of, relating to Boundary 212-215 

County and Town Corners in 280-82, 285 

Boundaries described by Governor Tryon 404 

Delaware River the western limit of 407, 429 

Legislature denies claim of Massachusetts 407 

Cedes land to Massachusetts 411 

Legislature requests De Witt to run Pre-emption line 416 

Connecticut claim to lands in 429 et seq. 

resolution of Legislature relative to 432 

Attorney-General of, directed to defend suits 435 

Legislature rejects Connecticut proposition 436 

Legislature refuses to accede to terms of compromise 437 

{See Meridian and Parallel Boundary ; also the several coun- 
ties along the Boundary; also Regents of the University.) 



478 [Senate 

PAGE. 

New York City, Mr. Rutherford's observatory in 37 

Joint Commission meets in 39 

officials lament the loss of trade caused by the Grant to 

Penn 42 

officials compliment Goveruor Dongan's endeavors ... 44 

New York State Survey 11, 21, 128, 138, Ul, 143, 145, 289, 290 

Director of l-.^4, 140 

Station in Bradford County 128, 277 

locates Milestone 40 138 

monuments 154 

Station Bly , 164 

Latitude and Longitude of Milestone 40 229, 277 

Niagara Falls, seen by Ellicott 201 

height first measured 201 

Niagara River 52, 183, 184, 189, 198, 201, 202, 393, 400, 412 

Nichols, Eli, resurveys First Tract in Windsor 103 

Nichols, Henry ,. . . 105 

Nichols Patent in Broome Co., N. Y 103 

Tract in Tioga Co., N. Y 105 

deficiency in 105 

Nicholson, Samuel, Pennsylvania Deputy Surveyor 110 

surveys Willink Lands 110 

surveys Erie Triangle 202 

Northumberland Lottery warrants (Pennsylvania) 76, 100 

Observations. (/See Astronomical ; a?so Meridian.) 

Oil P'ield, Northern, Line through 154, 168, 327-336 

monuments in 245, 246 

Ontario, Lake. 27, 47, 52, 56, 112, 183, 184, 185, 18i), 195, 198, 392 
393, 394, 396, 399, 400, 406, 412, 413. 448, 449 

Ore Bed Creek 240, 316 

Oswayo River 92, 127, 243, 244, 324, 325, 387 

Flats 117, 135, 244. 275 

Ouaquaga, Indian village of 57, 305, 401 

" Owegy," the starting point of Indian Boundarv 57, 58, 59, 390 

399, 401, 411 

PaciBc Ocean the Charter limit of Provinces 177, 418 

Palmer, George 32, 102, 104, 308 

Notes of, in possession of Historical Societvof Pennsylvania, 32, 65 

73, 75, 291 

accompanies Rittenhouse and Holland 65 

runs a line from the Delaware to the Susquehanna 73 

rough map compiled by 75, 76 

lays'out warrants in 1785 101, 102 

appointed Deputy Surveyor 107, 291 

remains ot two mile birch identified 125 

birch tree referred to 131, 157, 310 

line of, still occupied 131 

Copies of documents found among papers of 291-312 



Ko. 71.J 479 

Palmer, George — {Continued) : page. 

Commission as Deputy Surveyor 291 

Survey of Delaware River by 292-303 

notes of Survey west from the Delaware 304-306 

letter to, from John Lukens 309 

Field-notes of warrant surveys by 310-312 

Parallel Boundary fixed in Final Agreement 26 

Historical Sketch of 40 

Survey of 1786-7 76 

Original Monuments on 96 

Note by revisers of New York Statutes 100 

Early laud surveys along 101 

Survey of, commenced 1877 125 

found to be crooked 126 

Wilderness portion omitted 127 

divided into sections 1-8, 157 

Condition of 131 

Monuments found upon 132, 137 

length of intervals on 137 

length of 138 

Commissioners discuss method of adjustment 138 

obstacles in the way of re-adjustment .... 143 

a base line of land surveys 143 

inhabitants opposed to a change in 145 

setting of new monuments on, commenced 154 

total number of New Monuments upon 173 

Surveys for sketch at Eastern Extremity of 174 

established 194 

New Monuments on, described 222 

manner of setting monuments on 223 

Schedule of Monuments on 224-258 

Table of Angular deflections and distances along 263-9 

Counties and Towns along 280-285 

{See also Boundary, Northern, of Pennsylvania.) 

Patterson, George W 28, 207 

Patterson, Robert, Ellicott's letter to 77, 84, 201 

Peacock, William, Surveyor for Holland Land Company 119 

thinks Elliott's papers burned by the British 198 

describes Lake Erie Monument 203 

thinks it broken down by Indians 204 

Pease, Seth, Surveyor for Holland Land Company, mentions Lake 

Erie Monument 203 

Extract Irom field- notes of 317 

Pembroke Run 246, 332 

Penn, John, Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. . .54, 60, 62, 63 

64, 66, 401 

present at Fort Stanwix 56 

Penn, Thomas, Proprietary of Pennsylvania . . .58, 401 

instructs Governor Morris upon terms of purchase from In- 
dians 55 

Indian Deed to, 17C8 58 

petitions the King to have boundaries fixed 60 



4:80 [Senate 

PAGE^ 

Penn, William 42, 44, 45, 49 

Charter to, of Pennsylvania..?, 18, 27, 40, 51, 53, 54, 56, 60, 67 

100, 101, 431 

ambiguity in 48 

Quit-claim to, from Duke of York 41 

suggests the proper Boundary between French and English 176 
his idea adopted 186 

Pennsylvania represented at Joint Meeting 6, 39 

C. M. Gere appointed Surveyor for 7 

Commissioners favor a rectification of Boundary 8, 9, 140 

Boundary of, fixed in Final Agreement 25 

Governor of, appoints Boundary Commissioners 25 

Charter of 40 

Jealousy of New Yorkers toward 41 

Ambiguity in Charter description of Boundary of 49 

Boundaries of, described by Lords of Trade 49 

described by Governor Hamilton , 50, 52 

claims a Boundary North of 42^ 50 

proposes to purchase lands from Indians 54 

Proprietaries of, petition to have Boundaries fixed 60 

Boundaries of, described 61 

Resolutions of General Assembly, 1783 67 

Commission of, appointed to examine the subject of inland 

Navigation, etc 67, 438 

Commission to run a temporary line 68 

'- General Assembly rescinds resolutions . . , 70 

expenses of Temporary Commission provided for 70 

General Assembly provides for a new Commission 70 

Commissioners directed to continue survey without co-opera- 
tion of New York 77 

Commissioners ready for operations, 1787 78 

has a Purveyor appointed 79 

Line in Delaware River between New Jersey and 101 

Early land surveys in J 01 <s^ seq. 

Crude system of land surveys in 106 

Commissioners informed of action of Board of Regents 139 

Message to Legislature of Ib'd 

Legislature of, fails to appropriate funds 155 

County and Town Corners in 281-5* 

Representation of, upon early Maps 390 et seq. 

Contest with Connecticut , . . .417-428 

Proprietaries of, stipulate with Indian Chiefs 421 

Council of Censors denounce persecution of Connecticut 

settlers 425 

Confirming act passed 426 

General Assembly proposes to purchase Lake Erie Lands 438, 441 

Proposition of Delegates of 442 

final purchase of Indians 44?^ 

ready to close contract for Erie Lands 452 

Patent to, of Erie Lauds 453: 

appropriates money for Indians , . . 454r 



JS^o. 71.] 4Si 

Pennsylvania — ( Continned) : page. 

grants lands to Cornplanter 455 

{See Boundary, Northern, of Pennsylvania; also, Meridian 
and Parallel Boundary; also, the several Counties along 
the Boundary.) 

Perkins, George R., Commissioner 5, 28, 39, 207 

Peters, Dr. C. H. F., refers to condition of Monument at Lake 

Erie 37 

observes for Latitude and Longitude 175 

Astronomical Station of, located 208 

• Detailed record of 2^7 

error in distance by, to Lake 276 

Peters, Richard, reports to Gov. Penn upon tlie Crown's con- 
struction of the Bounds of New York 53 

present at Fort Stauwix 57 

Phelps and Gorham Purchase, Purveys in 89, 112 

West line run by John Adlum . ." 108, 113 

Major Adam Hoops superintends surveys of 113 

Area of 113 

South West Corner of. 115, 316 

Notes of surveys in 134 

Town Corners in 165 

proprietors represented on survey of Meridian Boundary. . . . 198 

purchase of, from Massachusetts 415 

Eastern line run 416 

purchase of, from the Lidians 450 

Philadelphia... 32, oQ, 65, 66, 78, 80, 81, 82, 84, 88, 113, 198, 288 

317, 454 

Merchants of, agitate the question of inland navigation .67, 438 

Pierson, Henry R. , appointed Commissioner from New York. .5, 23 

25, 39, 286 

Letter of, transmitting Re])ort 3 

Letter of, replying to Colonel Worrall's proposition to rectify 

the Boundary , , .... 14 

signs Final Agreement 29 

letter to Director Gardiner 140 

Pig-Pen Run 225 

Piatt, George, courtesy acknowledged 32 

re-surveys town lines in Erie County 123 

Plumb-line, deflection of 142 

Polaris, observations of 113, 208, 318 

Porter, Andrew 12, 19, 26, 72, 77, 94, 98, 99, 100, 195 

Biographical foot-note , 82 

appointed Boundary Commissioner 18, 70 

Commissioner on Virginia Boundary 72 

signs report of Survey of 1787 ". 81 

announces completion of Survt-y 82 

Reports progress from the Conewango valley 91 

reports arrival at Lake Erie 93 

sued for value of a horse 96 

erroneous idea of, of location of Line of Cession 194, 439 

Letter of , 4b9 

Sen. Doc. No. 71.] 61 



482 [Senate 



Porter, Augustus, surveyor upon Phelps and Gorliam's Purchase. 112 

makes initial survey for Holland Land Company 115 

surveys Willink Lands 117 

assists in survey of New Pre-emption Line 195, 416 

extract from field-notes of 316, 322 

Potter County, Pennsylvania 280 

Early Land Surveys in 109 

Bingham Estate in 110 

Ross Estate in Ill 

recent surveys of Town lines in 123 

New Monuments along 164-166, 173 

Description of locations of 238-242 

Angles and distances along 266-267 

County and Town Corners in 283-284 

Keating Estate Surveys 386 

Pratt, Daniel J., Assistant Secretary 9, 286 

Correspondence to ascertain condition of Boundary 38 

endeavors to find EUicott's Report 83, 198 

attends meeting at Initial Point 124 

death referred to 1 79 

Biographical Sketch 289 

Pre-Eniption Line 163 

New, run by ElJicott 195, 416 

Prendergast, A. T., sets a new Monument 136, 170 

Milestone 194 set beside it 170, 252 

Presque Isle 93, 95, 382, 438, 439, 440, 447, 448 

Pruyn, John V.L., Commissioner from New York. 5, 6, 28, 39, 207, 286 
Biographical Sketch 289 

Pulteney, Sir William, extensive purchaser of land in Steuben 

county 114 

Pumpelly, James 105 

Pumpelly, Herman 112 

Purchase. (See Phelps and Gorham ; also, Holland Land Com- 
pany, etc.) 

Quadrant, Hadley's, used at Liitial Point, 1774. ... 64 

Small Astronomical, purchased by Commissioners. 1784. .71, 73 

Quaker Run 248, 249, 341, 342, 347 

Quebec, Boundaries of, extended 177 

Lands West of Niagara and Pennsylvania annexed to. .... . 185 

South Boundary of 406 

Rail-road Monuments described 220, 223 

"Record of Monuments " prepared and filed 28, 32, 222, 262 

Extracts from, recommended to be filed in County Clerk's 

offices 32 

Red House Creek 248 

Red- Water Creek 241 

Regents of the University . 14, 15, 71, 80, 121, 139, 152, 153, 289, 290 
charged with duty of examination relative to Boundary Mon- 
uments 5, 22, 24, 214 



:tNro. Yl.] 483 

Eegents of tlie University — {Co7itinued) : page. 

appoint a Boundary Committee 5 

Kosolution of, designating Boundary Commidsiouers 23, 25 

Dr. Peters reports to, on Latitudes and Longitudes ........ 37 

Report of Commissioners to 140 

employ Dr. Peters in Astronomical work 175 

authorized to erect new Initial Monument at Lake Erie 205 

Reports of progress upon Boundary Survey referred to 23, 39 

Resolutions : 

of Joint Commission, 1877 6 

of Regents designating Commissioners 23, 214 

to examine navigation, etc. (Pennsylvania) 67 

directing Commissioners to mark Northern Boundary of 

Pennsylvania 68 

rescinding the satne 70 

Joint, to organize Town of Cheniu ig 112 

of Congress requesting Cession of Western lands 186 

of Cession by Virginia 187 

accepting Cession of New York (U. S.) 190 

urging other States to Cede (U. S.) 190 

of acceptance passed (U. S.) 191 

directing Geographer to ascertain line of Cession (U. S.), 194, 441 

Amending previous resolution 196 

Joint, of New York, Authorizing Regents to erect new Monu- 
ment near Lake Erie 205 

Joint, of New York, Authorizing Regents to examine Bound- 
aries 212 

of Massachusetts claiming territory westward of New York.. 407 

of New York upon the claims of Massachusetts 407 

of New York to quiet the Six Nations 414 

of Connecticut, asserting claim to Western land 422 

of Congress requiring contending parties in Pennsylvania to 

cease hostilities 422 

of New York on Connecticut claim 432 

of New York not to appoint Commissioners 436 

of New York not to accede to terms of compromise 437 

of Pennsylvania, calling for description of Lake Erie lands. . 438 

of Pennsylvania, Authorizing delegates to purchase lands. . . 441 

of Congress granting Lake Erie lands to Pennsylvania 443 

of Pennsylvania accepting the purchase 445 

Revised Statutes of New York: 

Description of Boundaries in 19, 98 

Error in 99 

remarks of revisers 99 

consulted for history of Meridian Boundary 175 

not historically correct 176 

Rhode Island, disputed Boundary between Massachusetts and.. 16, 20 

Decision of the United States Supreme Court upon 149 

Rittenhouse, David.... 12, 19, 26, 65, 78, 82, 84, 94, 97, 99, 100, 124 

130, 142, 195, 292, 296, 297, 304 

Biographical Foot-note 64 

appointed Commissioner for Pennsylvania, 1774 18, 63 



484 [Senate 

Eittenhouse, David — {Continued ): page. 

signs report upon Monument at Delaware River . . 1 1 • 64 

bill for services 66 

appointed Boundary Commissioner, 1784 70 

notified of action of New York 72 

Letters of, relative to preliminary arrangements 72 

Commissioner on Boundary between Pennsylvania and Vir- 
ginia 72 

Letter to Ellicott from 76 

Commissioner on Boundary between Massachusetts and New 

York 77, 411 

Sector constructed by 85 

Letter of, to his wife 86 

leaves the Boundary Party 89 

Letter from Ellicott and Porter to 93 

Pay for services of 95 

probable position of observatory of, ] 774 129 

requested to furnish instruments to Ellicott 197 

Traverse of Delaware Eiver by 299 

owns a transit instrument 416 

Rose Brook 239 

Rose, Robert H., large land-holder in Bradford and Susquehanna 

Counties - Ill 

Ross, George, Vice-President of Pennsylvania, letter of, to dele- 
gates in Congress 195 

Ross, Sobieski, Estate of, in Potter County Ill 

Rutherford's Observatory in New York city 37 

Sand Pond Brook 123, 125, 131, 157, 224, 225, 304, 308 

Saxton, Frederick, surveyor upon Phelps and Gorham Purchase. 113 

accompanies Ellicott on Survey of JVIeridian Boundary 198 

Schuyler, Philip, appointed Commissioner 18, 71 

letter from, to the New York Legislature 179 

Sections, Parallel Boundary divided into 128, 157 

New monuments upon each , 157 et seq. 

Seely Creek 234 

Seneca Lake 416 

Shepard, Wareham, Surveyor for Holland Land Company. .117, 118 

fixes Township Corners on Meridian Boundary 203 

Sidney, Township of (New York) 105, 106 

Simmons, George A., opinion of, upon Connecticut Boundary.20, 147 

Sniedley, James 117 

re-surveys the Meridian Boundary 118, 203, 208 

Smith, Edwin, Assistant United States Coast and Geodetic Survev. 12 

127, 142, 271, 287 

Smoke affects accuracy of Observations 85 

Snake Creek 103, 104, 159, 227 

South Creek 233 

Spanish Hills Monument Ill, 161, 232 

Spiritual Spring, Kiantone 357 

Sperry, James, re-surveys lands in Cattaraugus County 119 

Starr, Geo. W., County Line Commissioner „ . . . 121 



:N^o. 71.] 485 

PAGE. 

Starrncca Tract, Drinker's 103, 107 

State Line Rim 246, 250, 251, 349 

State Survey {See New York.) 

Steuben County, New York 90, 294, 280 

Early Land Surveys in 112 

Supervisor More of Lindley 1 62 

New Monuments along 162-5, 173 

Description of location of 234-9 

Angles and distances along 266 

County and Town Corners 281 

Connecticut claim to lands in 429 

Stewart, Charles, Pennsylvania Deputy Surveyor 107 

Stillwater Creek \ 253, 360 

Stoddard, Richard M., Surveyor for Holland Land Company. 11 8, 350 

Storehouse Brook 251, 354 

Stuart, Cen. Charles B., life of Ellicott by 201 

Suifern, Edward 205 

Sugar Grove, Astronomical Station. .128, 136, 169, 171, 172, 253, 269 

Detailed Record of 276 

Survey, cost of an independent geodetic 13, 146 

State. {See New York.) 

Surveyors, Deputy, in Pennsylvania 107 et seq. 

for Phelps and Gorham 112 ef seq. 

for Holland Land Company 115 e^ seq. 

Surveys, temporary, of Portions of Boundary 73 

independent, for location of lands "73 et seq. 

of 1786 and 1787 '7Q et seq 

Early land, along Boundary 101 et seq 

System of, in Pennsylvania 106 

Brady's, interference of, with New York lands 109 

of 1877-9 124 

of Meridian Boundary 201, 204 

defined by Lewis Evans 400 

Susquehanna Company 110 

John H. Lydius agent for 54 

organized 420 

makes Surveys 421 

renews contest 425 

Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania 156, 272, 280 

'• Old State lino "in 75, 76 

Warrants in, surveyed, 1784 "Jo 

Early land Surveys in 102 

Rose Estate in Ill 

Commissioners locate Milestone 21 131, 159 

New Monuments along 157-9, 173 

Description of location of 225-9 

Angles and distances along 263-4 

County and Town Corners 282-3 

Geo. Palmer's Surveys in 3('5 

Susquehanna River. ..9, 41, 42, 44, 48, 50, 52, 55, 67, 71, 73, 75, 76 
83, 86, 91, 102, 104, 106, 107, 110, 127, 155, 288, 309, 303, 401 

421, 426 



486 I ISenate 

Susquehanna River — {Continued): page. 

Falls of 43, 43 

Governor Dongan proposes to annex 44 

Governor Hamilton objects to location of lands upon. . . ..50, 51 

a part of Indian Boundary 57 

the want of a proper survey of, causes error in Indian 

Boundary 59 

Correction Station on bank of, 1786 85 

intersection with Boundary 131, 137 

summit west of 132 

New Monuments near ... 154, 157, 225, 231 

a town Boundary 280, 281, 282, 283 

George Palmer reaches 305 

Journal up, by Drake and Belong 308 

Petition to General Assembly of Connecticut for grant of 
land upon 419- 

Syracuse, N. Y., Joint Commission meets at 219 

Table of distances and angular deflections 263-270 

Taylor, D. R.^ pointed out site of Dr. Peters' Station 278 

Taylor, Jacob, furnishes team for the Survey 125 

Thompson, John, Assistant Surveyor for Holland Land Company. 119 

Thorpe, Michael B., a Survevor 115 

Tioga County, New York . . ." 58, 103, 272, 273 

Hooper's temporary line along 75 

Early land Surveys in 75, 105, 111 

New Monuments along 159-161, 173 

Description of locations of 229-232 

Angles and distances along 264 

County and Town Corners 280 

Lands in, ceded to Massachusetts 411 

Connecticut claim to lands in 4*^9 

Tioga County, Pennsylvania 91, 274, 280 

Warrants along Maclay's temporary line in 76 

Early land Surveys in 108 

Bingham Estate Surveys in 110, 111 

Extracts from County Records furnished 123 

Astronomical parallel in 144 

New Monuments along 162-05, 173 

Description of locations of 234-38 

Angles and distances along 205-6 

County and Town Corners 283 

Tioga Point 57,88,399 

Tioga River 19, 127, 274 

Survey of 1786 terminated near 77, 89 

Correction Station on bank of, 1786 89 

Surveys upon - 106, 108, 1 1 5 

Monument washed out 133, T:2 

Angular point at I'i3 

New Monument on bank of 1 03, 235 

Torrey, Robert N., Commissioner from Pennsylvania. . .0, 25, 39, 2^6 
signs Final Agreement 29 



No. 71.] 487 

PAGE. 

Town and County Corners, Schedule of 280-285 

Transit Instrument 71, 72, 94, 125, 197, 201, 416 

Meridians 116, 117, 168, 24^ 334, 337, 416 

Monuments. 116, 11'^, 166, 169, 241, 247, 281, 282, 317, 318, 334 

337 

Travis, Astronomical Station .... 127, 157, 263 

New Monuments at 158, 224, 271 

Detailed Record of 271 

Trees, Witness, description of Marks upon , 313 

Trenton, Council of 423 

Opinion of members of 424 

Trotter John 103 

Troup's Creek 108, 127, 237, 274 

Correction Station on bank of, 1787 89 

Monument washed out 133, 164 

Angular point at 164 

Trowbridge Creek 22& 

Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut, letter to Governor Hamil- 
ton of Pennsylvania 421 

Tryon, Governor William, describes Boundaries of N. Y. .48, 177, 404 

referred to 185, 398 

Tucker, Thomas, a Pennsvlvania Deputy Surveyor 107 

Tunaunguant Creek ". , 127, 275, 335 

Correction Station on bank of, 1787 90 

New Monuments near 246 

variations in spelling the name of 388 

Tuna Valley 90, 389 

Astronomical Station 128, 134, 167, 168, 169, 247, 268 

Deflection in Boundary in 144 

Detailed Record of Station 275 

Tunkhaunock Creek 306, 308 

Twenty-Mile Creek 259, 381, 382 

United States, policy of, relative to Boundary lines 16, 141 

Decisions of Supreme Court of 16, 20, 141, 149 

Congress to approve Final Argument 24, 29 

System of land Surveys, author of. 116 

Commission surveys Allegany Indian Reservation 122 

Boundary between Great Britain and 176, 185 

Act of Cession to (New York) 181 

Congress requests Maryland to ratify Articles 187 

Cession of New York to, accepted 191 

Congress recommends a new act of Virginia 192 

Congress accepts Cession from Massachusetts 193 

Various States pass acts of Cession to 193 

Geographer of, requested to run line of Cession 194 

President of, requested to appoint a Surveyor 197 

Commission to settle controversy between Connecticut and 

Pennsylvania, appointed by 423 

{See Trenton.) 



488 [Senate 

United States— [Continued) : page. 

President of, directed to grant Letters Patent to Connecticut. 428 
Congress proposes to grant Lake Erie lands to Pennsylvania. 443 
conveys Lake Erie lands 453 

United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.. 6, 10, 11, 13, 37, 38, 124 

150, 157, 209, 277. 287 

Superintendent of, requested to establish 42** Parallel 7, 9 

Astronomical observations 127 

Stations divide Boundary into Sections 128, 154 

results in Longitude 138 

report on Boundary 142 

System of triangles to be extended 145 

Stations marked with Monuments 155 

Stations directed to be marked 221 

Station Monuments described 223 

Stations, detailed Eecords of 271-277 

"Cnited States Lake Survey 209 

Longitude of Meridian Boundary 138 

Correction of Geodetic Positions 277 

Position of new Lake Erie Monument 279 

University, Kegents of. {ISee Kegents. ) 

Valentine and Collins survey Canada Boundary 16, IT 

Van Campen, Moses, surveys town of Independence 114 

Van Cortlandt, Pierre, Lieut.-Governor of New York 181 

Van der Donck describes New Netherland 403 

Variation of the Needle, De Witt's idea of 10b 

Virginia, Charter Claim of 177 

Act of Cession 187 

Act not satisfactory to Coiigress 191 

passes new Act of Cession 192 

Walker, Z. F. , furnislies notes 32 

in possession of Zephon Flower's pa])ers 114, 160 

Wappasening Creek 104, 107, 230, 231 

Ward and Halsey purchase Connecticut Gore 431 

organize a Land Company 432 

Warner, W. F : 32 

Warrants, Military land, located by W. L. Hooper 59, 103, 104 

Surveys of. in Pennsylvania 106 

Cornel's of Pennsvlvania, at Mdestones 171 

Geo. Palmer's field-notes of ... . 310 

Warren, Peiin., laid out by Andrew Ellicott 92 

Warren County, Pennsylvania 92, 276, 2hO 

Early land Surveys in 74, 110, 120 

McKean and, County line Commission ... 110, 121, 135, 109, 250 

recent surveys of town lines in 123, 171 

old State line tree in 136, 1 TO 

Ke^N Monuments along 169-173, 1 74 

Description of locations of 24'.i-256 

Angles and distances along 268-269 

County and Town Corners 284 



No. 71.J 489 

PAGE. 

Warren Station, New York State Survey 128 

Detailed Record of 277 

Watson, James, Tracts in Town of Chemung 112 

Wattsburg, Penn., Correction Station near, 1787 93 

Watts, David, Surveys Pennsylvania Donation Lands 74, 120 

Watts, John, deficiency Patent to 103 

Washington, George, President, appoints Andrew EUicott Sur- 
veyor of line of Cession 195 , 197, 450 

Letter from Ellicott to 1! 8 

criticises the acceptance of Connecticut Cession 427 

signs Patent for Erie lands 453 

Waveriy, Correction Station near, 1786 88 

Astronomical Station (1879). .89, 127, 128, 132,160, 161,231, 265 

Milestone 60 in 133, 231 

New Monuments in village of 133, 231 

Boundary divides property in 144 

first new ]\Ionuments delivered at 154 

Notes taken near, to locate rail-roads 174 

Detailed Ivecord of Station 273 

Wayne County, Pennsylvania , . . . . 107, 280 

Palmer iDstructed to lay out warrants in 73 

Early land Surveys in 101 

New Monumentsalong 157-158, 173 

Description of locations of 224-225 

Angles and distances along 263 

Corner of 282 

George Palmer's line along 304 

George Palmer's Field-notes of Warrant Surveys in 310-312 

Webster, Daniel, Counsel in Case Rhode Island v. Massachusetts. 150 

Wentz, William, Surveyor 105, 114 

Werden, Sir John, letter to Governor Dougan 41 

Western Reserve of Connecticut 193, 428, 429 

Westmoreland, Town of, laid out 423 

Wliipple, Squire, Surveyor 114 

Wilderness, portion of Boundary omitted 127 

in Tenth Section 135 

Wilkinson, James, Pennsylvania Commissioner, to run temporary 

line 67 

Williams, 0. S., Secretary of Hamilton College 175 

Williamson, Charles, Agent for proprietors of land in Steuben 

County 114, 416 

Willing and Francis Tract 115 

Willink Lands in Pennsylvania 136 

Corners of Warrants in, at Mile Points 171 

Willink Strip 117, 417 

Field notes of 168 

new Monuments 247 

Record of surveys along 337 

Willink, Wilhem, takes up land in Pennsylvania 109 

and Jan, members of Holland Land Company 116, 417 

Willow Creek ; 249, 250 

[Sen. Doc. No. 71.J <i2 



490 [Senate No. 71.] 

PAGE. 

Witness trees, description of Marks upon 313 

Wolf Eun 249, 346 

Woolvvortii, Samuel B., Secretary of the Joint Commission. 6, 28, 39 

170, 207, 28G 

present at Initial Point, 1877 124 

Biographical Sketch 289 

Worrall, James, Commissioner from Pennsylvania and Chairman 

of Joint Commission 6, 39, 140, 152, 220, 221, 286 

letter of, recommending rectification of Boundary 9 

estimate of Cost of Survey by 13, 146 

death of, referred to 25, 33, 39 

Biographical Sketch 288 

Wynkoop Creek , , , , , , . , 232 

York, Duke of. Grant to the 40, 403, 407 

quit-claims to William Penn 41 

Agents of, apprehensive of Penn's desires 42 

becomes King 42 

York Run 253, 357 



